Attention Tenants in Türkiye: Clarification on Rent Payment via IBAN

A new court ruling regarding rent payments via bank transfer (IBAN) has come into effect in Türkiye. The country's Supreme Court has ruled that tenants are responsible for all bank fees when transferring rent payments.

If the rent amount reaches the landlord with a deduction for bank fees, it is considered an incomplete payment. According to the court decision, such a situation may be grounds for contract termination and tenant eviction.

Previously, a lower court ruled in favor of the tenant, but after an appeal, the Supreme Court issued a final ruling: rent payments must be made in full, including any possible bank fees.

Tenants must now carefully check the transfer amount and consider potential bank charges to avoid legal issues. Even a small shortfall due to bank fees could result in eviction. The exact amount stated in the rental agreement must be transferred. Late or partial payments may lead to legal proceedings. Tenants are advised to verify bank fees in advance and ensure full payment to avoid potential consequences.

New rent payment regulations came into effect in 2025. Tenants are now required to make rent payments only through bank branches or PTT offices, while cash payments are prohibited. The Turkish Ministry of Finance and Treasury has imposed strict fines for violations, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000,000 Turkish lira, applying to both tenants and landlords. These new regulations aim to combat tax evasion by ensuring transparency and control over rental income. They also protect tenant rights, as cashless payments serve as official proof of payment and reduce the risk of disputes.