Whether you are staying in Turkey on a temporary or permanent basis, renting a property may be a good idea to allow you time to get a feel for the country, and areas you may wish to reside in particularly before committing to purchasing a property.

The process is quite straightforward and best organised through a licensed agent, but you can also rent privately, and unlike the UK and other countries, there is no credit check.

Tenancy Agreement

The tenancy agreement will include the lease period, of usually 1 year. According to HG Legal Resources, Neither the Law nor the TCO (Turkish Code of Obligations) stipulates any specific requirement with regards to the form of lease agreements. Accordingly, parties may even enter into verbal lease agreements. However, for ease of proof, it is highly recommended to execute a written lease agreement including essentials such as lease term, lease (together with its annual increase), deposit amount, etc. Expect to pay 1 month’s rent in advance and 1 month up front. Sometimes, they require tenants to pay 6 months up front. For written agreements, the landlord or agent will draw up a contract which will have details of the length of the lease, rental price and deposit. Any taxes or property repairs are normally paid for by the landlord. Standard rental agreements are for 1 year, usually confirmed with a deposit. To renew a lease, the same process applies. Written leases need to be notarised and a tax applies. Before signing a lease, check the condition of the premises, and have that written into the contract, so when the lease ends, you will only be responsible to have it in the same condition. 

Fees associated with renting a property in Turkey

• Stamp Duty- A written lease agreement requires a stamp duty which is .189% of the annual rental cost and is usually paid by the tenant at the start of the contract.
• Agency Fee The estate agency leasing the property charges the tenant a commission of 12% of the annual rent amount.
• Deposit equal to a few month's rent is usually required; this is reimbursed when the agreement ends and any deductions have been made to cover damage caused by the tenant or unpaid utility bills.
• Rent Due date is usually in the first few days of the month, as written in the contract.
• Insurance The tenant is not obliged to take out household insurance - this is optional, but the owner of the property must have compulsory earthquake insurance.

Utilities and services

Installation and monthly charges for utilities are the tenant’s responsibility. Electricity is supplied by TEDAŞ, and you need to select an amount of electricity in watts to purchase. Choose more than you think you will need or they may cut your power off. In general, 12-15 kilowatts should be more than sufficient. Power interruptions are common, so get a universal power supply (UPS) and surge protectors to keep your electrical appliances from being damaged. Turkish outlets operate at 220 volts.

Gas is provided by İGDAŞ and EGO in Istanbul or Ankara. Most other places require bottled gas from local distributors.

Water is provided by local municipalities, managed by a national company called ISKI. Tap water is drinkable as it is filtered and chlorinated. To avoid shortages in crowded areas, your property may come equipped with its own water tank, which can be filled from bottles or a tanker.

Internet is provided by four main providers such as Superonline, ADSL is available in larger cities and along the coast, but is slow in suburbs and rural areas. Apply for service at the local branch of the postal service and choose a suitable plan. You will receive monthly bills that must be be paid separately from your phone bill. 

Phone is provided by Turk Telekom which is available at major post office branches. To apply, bring copies of your passport, your bank details, and proof of address.

Article sources:

Turkish Government 

Stay Turkish

Yell Ali

Property Turkey

Just Landed

Anglo Info Turkey

See also:

Glossary of terms for buying property in Turkey

Turkish Residency Permits

Where to buy in Turkey