Since not everyone can own a house, many people coming to Turkey decide to rent a property here for several reasons. Maybe they are here only for a short time for work and find that renting a property in Turkey is more cost-effective than buying one. They might also decide to put their cash into their business rather than into a residential. Some people just prefer to rent. With a plentiful supply of rental properties from a tiny apartments to huge villas, renting becomes very popular.
How to arrange a house for rent in Turkey
In Turkey, there are two main ways of finding a place for rent:
Estate agents
It's considered the most popular and safe method amongst foreigners. The only drawback is that they will only have access to the properties listed with them (the properties they have been asked to manage). There is no MLS (Multiple Listing Service) for rental properties in Turkey which means that you will have to contact each estate agent separately to find out what's available with them. Also, not every agent updates the website for rental properties so only hire a reliable one. Prime Property Turkey is there for your property needs with a vast portfolio. Another thing you can do is register your number with the estate agents specifying to them the kind of property you’re looking for and they will send you an email alert when a suitable property is on the records.
Tip- The best properties do not stay on the market for very long so move in quickly as you find one.
Direct rentals
Many owners still prefer traditional ways of renting out property and don't use an agent to rent out their property. They advertise it in the local paper or on the local ‘for sale and wanted’ or ‘bulletin board’ websites. You will also find "for sale" written on a board on house windows and of course, word of mouth. If you wish to go this route, you need to know the market, especially rental values and good-spoken Turkish.
Tip- While Turkey is usually safe, always be careful when it comes to meeting strangers in empty properties.
What is the lease agreement and what is its content?
The lease agreement is a legal document that has both the signatures of the lessor and the lessee agreeing to the terms and conditions mentioned. The contract covers the basic details like the asset, lease rental, etc., and other important points that may cause a conflict between the parties during the lease period. A good lease agreement will always be transparent on all the terms. Also known as a lease deed, it starts a legal relationship between the owner of the assets (lessor) and the lessee.
Contents of a lease agreement:
Description of the asset
The commencement date for the lease contract.
Amount of lease rentals
Mode of Payments
Guarantee for payment of lease rental by the lessee.
Variation of lease rentals.
Termination of the lease agreement in the event of certain occurrences.
Who will pay the municipal dues, property taxes, etc.
Who will bear the cost of insuring the asset
What to do in the case of default in the payment of lease rentals
If the lessee is allowed to sub-lease the asset if he cannot use the asset for any reason.
Activities are restricted by the owner to avoid any future issues.
Things you should know before renting a house in Turkey
Since Turkey is a very vibrant country in terms of the construction of new buildings, you can comfortably find the type of house you wish. Property search can either be done by wandering street by street or going digital. If you choose a house, try to visit there multiple times so you can better understand the neighborhood, and whether many details in the house are fit for you or not. If you are still looking, stay prepared in advance with the questions you will ask the relevant person to make a comfortable comparison with the other houses you are looking at. Let's look at a few points that foreigners should pay attention to while renting a house in Turkey:
Take your time
Don't hurry because finding a house in Turkey that will meet all of your needs may take some time. If you really like a property, you can call on the given phone number in the ad and directly connect with the real estate agent to visit there. Similarly, you can walk the street and call the numbers found in the advertising hung on the windows of houses. If you know someone in Turkey, don't hesitate to ask for help. An experienced person can guide you well and if they know Turkish, nothing like it!
Don't compromise on your standards
Set your standard for the property you are looking for while renting. When you search basis a set benchmark, you don't waste your time and energy because you are clear on what you want. Let's assume you want a sports complex near your residence so you will search according to that only.
Transport facility
Only finding a nice and affordable house is not enough. You must also check vehicle parking lots on the street where this house is located. Also be sure that access to public transport vehicles like the subway, bus, minibus, etc. is from nearby. If the transportation is troublesome, the house, no matter how economically fitting, will not be as comfortable for you.
The rental agreement
A rental agreement is a written document formalizing that the landlord is now letting the lessee utilize his/her house in exchange for an agreed amount. It's a security measure for both parties. A rent agreement is a must and should not be avoided no matter if you know the landlord personally. It prevents both parties from any future troubles since the terms are agreed upon in advance.
How to rent a property in Turkey as a foreigner
Renting a place in Turkey or any foreign country can be very daunting and overwhelming but if you know the right ways, it can be smooth!
Finding a home
First, you need to determine where exactly you want to rent the place. You can use websites for a quick search to get an understanding of the availability and price range in specific areas. You can search about the various facilities available in your selected locations. Many homeowners have still not posted their availabilities on the internet and prefer to keep their potential candidates among a pool of locals and friends-of-friends. Keep checking the signs on the windows of available flats. You can also get in touch with the local real estate agents, who also post up ads for the available housing with them. Another thing you can do is ask the local retailers (bakkals) or convenience stores and visit the neighborhood or village representative (muhtar), who will eventually help you with an official address registration document. Sometimes, landlords in Turkey prefer to rent their homes out to people they know, whether for just five minutes or through another connection. We suggest you become more personal with the search and spend time in the neighborhood interacting. Another great option is getting in touch with Prime property Turkey and we will help you with some great deals.
Things that matter
There are chances that the apartment you are checking out appears to be a mess. In Turkey, there is a habit of leaving what you don’t want. Maintenance points such as a coat of paint are mostly left to the incoming. We advise you to negotiate the repair with the landlord. He/she may or may not actually have the place painted for you but might arrange to have maintenance costs dropped from future rent. You must communicate these issues early and clearly to ensure there is no problem in the future. Do check for landline and the mobile and internet network, mold on walls, and water supply.
Hidden charges
It is normal to pay one month's rent as a deposit and the first month’s rent upfront to the landlord while renting. If you work with a real estate agent expect to dish out another month’s rent as a finder’s fee. Keep in mind that utilities such as electricity, gas, and water may also require deposits. Some places would also ask for a monthly maintenance fee for the building. The rental increase in Turkey is determined by the Consumer Price Index (Tüketici Fiyatları Endeksi - TÜFE in Turkish. You must also ensure that furniture and appliances are already in the home you want to rent. Basic rental contracts are available at stationery shops but one must also discuss the early termination of the contract early if required. It's always good to keep the paperwork intact. Know that if your landlord sells the property, you'd be given six months' time to move out.
Welcome to the neighborhood
Turks are very neighborly and love to meet and socialize with those who live nearby. Don’t be surprised if suddenly a neighbor shows up at your door with a nicely prepared dish or gif as a part of the Turkish culture. Pro tip- accept the gift or they can be offended. If possible, invite them for tea. Remember, don't return the plate empty. Reciprocate with some food or gift to have nice relations.
If you are looking for a property for rent in Turkey, your search ends here. We at prime Property Turkey bring to you a huge portfolio of properties throughout the country for every budget. Contact us and make the most of our years of expertise!
