How to Draw Up a Lease Agreement

A residential lease can be formed verbally, but a written contract makes proof far easier in case of a dispute. Lease relationships are governed by the Turkish Code of Obligations, and the rules protecting tenants in residential leases cannot be altered to the tenant's disadvantage by contract.

What the contract should include

• The parties' identity details and addresses
• The leased property's full address and unit (bağımsız bölüm) details
• Monthly rent, payment date, and payment method (bank account)
• Lease term and start date
• The basis for the annual increase
• Deposit amount and refund conditions
• A fixtures list and their condition at handover
• Who is responsible for expenses such as monthly dues (aidat), water, electricity, and gas
• Whether the tenant may sublet the home (alt kira)
• Special conditions such as pets or renovations

Rent must be set in Turkish lira

As a rule, between parties resident in Turkey, setting the rent in a residential lease in foreign currency or indexed to foreign currency is prohibited; the rent must be agreed in Turkish lira. Exceptions are narrowly defined by regulation.

Handover report and photos

On the day the home is handed over, document the condition of the walls, floors, appliances, and fittings with dated photos, and draw up a handover report signed by both parties. Most disputes over deposit refunds stem from the absence of this record.