Security Deposit (Güvence Bedeli): Amount, Safekeeping, and Refund

The deposit is security given to the landlord against the possibility that the tenant fails to pay rent or damages the home. The Turkish Code of Obligations provides that in residential and covered-workplace leases, the security cannot exceed three months' rent.

Where is it held?

By law, if the security is given as cash or securities, the landlord is required to deposit it in a time deposit account at a bank in a way that cannot be withdrawn without the tenant's consent. In practice the deposit is often handed over in cash or paid directly into the landlord's account, but that method protects the tenant's rights less effectively.

Refund

When the lease ends, the deposit is refunded if the home is handed back in the same condition it was received in, aside from wear from ordinary use. Ordinary wear and tear (light marks on walls, natural aging) cannot be deducted from the deposit; damage caused by the tenant's fault and unpaid debts can be.

To avoid disputes

• Prepare a handover report with dated photos at both move-in and move-out.
• Write the deposit amount and refund conditions into the contract.
• Offsetting the last month's rent against the deposit is only possible if both parties agree; a one-sided offset creates disputes.
• If deductions are made, share the itemized list and supporting documents in writing.