In the bustling tourist destination of Turkey, short-term rentals have become an increasingly popular option for both local and foreign visitors alike. This has induced the Turkish government to pass new legislation to regulate the sector under Turkish Property law, to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and to protect the interests of both property owners and tenants.

The newly introduced Law on Renting of Houses for Tourism Purposes and Amending Certain Laws, published in the Official Gazette on November 2, 2023, sets forth specific guidelines for short-term rentals. The law will take effect on January 1, 2024, and covers the general principles, required permits, general requirements and administrative sanctions.

In this post, we will try to summarise the key provisions for short-term rental properties for tourism purposes under the Turkish Property Law.

The key provisions for short-term rental properties under Turkish Property Law:

• Registration and permit: Owners of residential properties wishing to rent them for tourism purposes under Turkish Property Law, are required to register their property with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and obtain a special permit. This is only possible if the approval of all other co-owners of the building where the residence is located has been assured. The application can be made electronically.

• Travel Agencies: The permit can only be issued to people having usufruct rights, superstructure rights or property rights on the property. If the property is to be rented for tourism purposes, then the rentals must be made exclusively through (A) certified travel agencies. It is forbidden for tenants to sublet the properties.

• Short-term Rentals: The Law defines “tourism rentals” as rentals of residential properties for periods of less than 100 days. Rentals of more than 100 days are considered long-term rentals and are not covered by the Law.

• Signage: Owners of properties rented for tourism purposes are required to display a sign on their property indicating that it is being rented for tourism purposes.

• Sanctions: Failure to comply with the Law can result in fines under Turkish Property Law.

Short-term rentals for tourism purposes provide an opportunity to turn your vacation home in Turkey into an investment, able to produce a steady annual income. You can still use your property when you need it, and you can rent it out for the rest of the year. There are many agencies in Turkey that for a fee will manage your property and provide the necessary customer care services for your clients.

So, if you are a UK-based property owner or investor in Turkey, and are considering the benefits of short-term rentals, it is crucial to be able to navigate the legal landscape in Turkey with the assistance of a knowledgeable Turkish property solicitor, to advise you and assist you with the registration process and to obtain the consent of other owners, if your property is in a condominium, and finally, to help ensure that your rights and interests are protected, with the right advice under Turkish property law.

If you have any questions about Turkish Property Law, please do not hesitate to contact us. UT Legal, through its offices in London and Istanbul, can handle all the procedures for you.

19.12.2023