On Jan. 1, 2024, a new law regulating short-term rentals came into force in Turkey. It was published in the official government publication, Resmi Gazete. The document introduces several requirements, both for the real estate itself and for the procedure for obtaining permission to rent accommodation to tourists. Let’s take a closer look at the main provisions of the law. 

Contents:

  1. What is changing in the short-term rental market in Turkey?
    1. License requirements for Turkish citizens and foreigners
    2. Requirements for the placement of the information sign
    3. Requirements for the area and arrangement of the rented accommodation
  2. Why there is a need for innovation?

What is changing in the short-term rental market in Turkey?

According to the law, short-term rentals for tourist purposes are considered to be rentals for up to 100 days at a time. If the rental period does not exceed this limit, such a deal can be concluded without restrictions.

However, a special license is now required for short-term rentals. This innovation is designed to streamline the market and ensure that the rights of landlords, tenants, and other citizens are respected.

License requirements for Turkish citizens and foreigners

To obtain a short-term rental license, Turkish citizens need to apply through the E-Devlet e-government portal and provide the following documents:

  • A copy of the identity card (kimlik)
  • Notarized written consent of all occupants of the house/apartment

For legal entities, it is required to provide:

  • Company Tax Number
  • Registration number in the Turkish Commercial Register
  • Licensing requirements for foreigners

Citizens of other countries need to provide the following to obtain a short-term rental license: 

  • Copy of passport
  • Tax number or foreigner’s identification number
  • Notarized consent of all tenants

According to the law, owners are obliged to obtain a short-term rental license from all occupants of the house/apartment.

Alternatively, the relevant clause can be introduced into the charter of the apartment building management company. In this case, the approval of 75% of the tenants is sufficient.

Requirements for the placement of the information sign

A special sign must be placed on the facade of the house or apartment rented to tourists under a short-term rental agreement. It indicates that the accommodation is used for temporary guest accommodation and is under the control of an authorized ministry.

Requirements for the area and arrangement of the rented accommodation

The law establishes certain requirements for short-term rental housing:

  • The maximum number of occupants, excluding children under 3 years of age, is 12 people.
  • Each bedroom can accommodate up to two people.
  • The total number of tenants cannot be more than 12, even if there are five or more bedrooms.

In addition, the rental housing must necessarily have:

  • Hot and cold water
  • Kitchen
  • Living area
  • Smoke detector
  • Bathroom
  • Beds with bedding
  • Towels
  • The evacuation plan shows the escape stairs on the door 

Before new tenants move in, the owner is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the unit.

Why there is a need for innovation?

With each passing day, the number of short-term accommodations for tourists is increasing rapidly in Turkey. Travelers find it convenient and economical, preferring to rent apartments instead of staying in hotels. However, this reduces tourism revenues, as many renters do not pay taxes, and money flows out of the country, especially in the case of foreign owners.

The AirBnB platform, for example, has a huge number of properties registered in different regions of Turkey:

  • Istanbul—50,000 properties.
  • Antalya—30,350 properties.
  • Izmir—11,400 properties.
  • Bodrum - 7,150 properties.

This is only official data; it does not take into account alternative platforms and private transactions.