Short-term rental in Turkey: What you need to know

Turkey has recently passed a new law that significantly impacts individual investors who have purchased coastal apartments for short-term rentals. Officially published in the Resmi Gazete, this legislation introduces regulations for renting residential properties to individuals and legal entities for tourism purposes. Effective from January 1, 2024, the law outlines specific requirements for both the properties themselves and the process of obtaining permits for renting to tourists. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of this new legislation and what it means for the short-term rental market in Turkey.

What’s changing in short-term rental market in Turkey

In Turkey, short-term rentals are defined as accommodations rented out for tourist purposes for up to 100 days at a time. As long as the rental period stays within this limit, landlords can operate without restrictions. 

However, a significant new requirement has been introduced: landlords must now obtain a special license to rent their properties for short-term stays. This measure aims to organize the market and protect the rights of landlords, tenants, and the general public.

Licensing requirements for Turkish citizens and foreigners

To obtain a short-term rental license, Turkish citizens must apply through the E-Devlet online portal, providing the following documents:

• A copy of their national ID (kimlik).

• A notarized written consent from all residents of the property.

Companies must provide:

• Their tax identification number.

• Their registration number from the Turkish trade registry.

Foreign citizens must gather the following:

• A copy of their passport.

• A tax number or foreign identification number.

• Notarized consent from all residents of the property.

Property owners are required to secure approval for short-term rentals from all residents in the building. Alternatively, this approval can be gained by amending the bylaws of the building management company, which allows for a simpler process of requiring consent from just 75% of residents.

A distinct sign must be displayed on the property’s facade, indicating that the accommodation is used for short-term rentals and is under the oversight of the relevant ministry.

New regulations outline specific criteria for properties offered for short-term rental, including:

1. A maximum occupancy of 12 guests, excluding children under three years old.

2. No more than two guests per bedroom.

3. Essential amenities.

Before each new guest arrival, property owners are responsible for ensuring the space is cleaned and disinfected. 

These changes mark a significant shift in how short-term rentals are managed in Turkey, aiming to create a more regulated and safer environment for all parties involved.

Why new regulations were introduced

The rapid growth of short-term rental houses and flats in Turkey has made it necessary to implement new regulations. Travelers prefer renting apartments or homes over traditional hotels for convenience and cost savings. However, this shift has negatively impacted tourism revenue, as many property owners fail to pay taxes, allowing funds to leave the country, particularly in the case of foreign investors.

For instance, a staggering number of properties are listed on platforms like Airbnb across Turkey:

• Istanbul: 50,000 listings.

• Antalya: 30,350 listings.

• Izmir: 11,400 listings.

• Bodrum: 7,150 listings.

These figures reflect only the officially registered rentals, excluding listings on alternative platforms and private agreements. The growing demand for short-term accommodation necessitates a structured approach to ensure compliance and support the local economy.

Fines for non-compliance with short-term rental rules

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for property investors and those looking to relocate to Turkey. Ignoring the rules related to short-term rental apartments can lead to hefty fines, which can significantly impact your investment. Here are the penalties you should be aware of:

1. Unauthorized renting. If a property owner rents out an apartment without the necessary permits, the initial administrative fine can reach 100,000 Turkish Liras. If the owner continues to rent the property without obtaining permission within 15 days, the penalty escalates to 500,000 Turkish Liras.

2. Subletting restrictions. If a tenant leases a property long-term and then engages in short-term rentals, they could face a fine of 100,000 Turkish Liras.

3. Advertising regulations. Publishing rental advertisements online is also prohibited for those without a valid rental license, attracting a 100,000 Turkish Lira fine.

4. Signage requirements. A penalty of 100,000 Turkish Liras will also be imposed if the required sign from the Ministry of Tourism is not displayed on the property.

These regulations will take effect on January 1, 2024. It typically takes around three months to obtain the necessary licenses for your property.

Investing in short-term flats for rent in Turkey presents exciting opportunities, but it comes with its own set of responsibilities. Being aware of the legal requirements and potential fines is essential for a successful venture. By following the regulations, you can maximize your investment and enjoy all that Turkey has to offer. If you're considering entering the Turkish real estate market, ensure you're well-informed and prepared to navigate the licensing process efficiently.

Favorable conditions for the purchase of real estate for rent with StayProperty

Stay Property is pleased to announce that our construction projects and ready-to-move-in residences in Alanya are perfectly suited for profitable short-term rentals.

In 2024, Turkey introduced significant changes in rental regulations, bringing the market into a new legal framework. At Stay Property, we are committed to helping our clients maximize their property income opportunities. That’s why we’ve ensured that our high-rental-potential projects are legally compliant, safe, and profitable for their owners as quickly as possible. You can rent out your apartment and earn passive income in euros even if you don’t reside in Turkey. The Stay Rental Department at Stay Property will handle all the details for you.

Our team takes care of tenant onboarding, security deposits, utility payments, timely financial settlements, property maintenance, professional cleaning after tenants, and finding and onboarding new renters. You won’t have to deal with any of these tasks yourself!

We offer the easiest and most convenient solution for passive income — turnkey property management in Alanya. You can receive monthly rental income in euros as an additional revenue stream. Make your money work for you by investing in resort real estate! Stay Property offers the opportunity to purchase seaside apartments directly from the developer with interest-free installment plans. With a down payment starting at just €20,000, you can rent out your property, use the rental income to pay off the installments, and still earn additional profits.

Purchasing property is simple: you can complete the transaction either during an inspection tour in Turkey or remotely, saving time and travel expenses. Apartments in Alanya are highly sought after for rentals by tourists, digital nomads, seasonal workers, students, and those seeking a comfortable getaway. Renting is also a great option for potential buyers who want to experience living in a particular neighborhood before making their final decision.

Rental housing with Stay Property