The Problem
Your Turkish landlord has sent you an eviction notice or filed a lawsuit to remove you from your rental property. As a foreigner, you may feel powerless, especially if the notice is in Turkish and you do not understand the legal deadlines. However, Turkish law provides strong tenant protections, and many eviction attempts by landlords are legally invalid. Knowing your rights can be the difference between keeping your home and being forced out illegally.
How the Law Works in Turkey
Under the Turkish Code of Obligations (TBK) Articles 347–356, landlords can only evict tenants for specific legal reasons: personal need (ihtiyaç tahliyesi), major renovation requiring vacancy, new ownership within the first month of purchase, and non-payment of rent (two or more months within one lease year). For personal need, the landlord must file a lawsuit after the lease renewal date. Ten-year eviction rules allow landlords to terminate without cause only after ten consecutive years of tenancy, with three months written notice.
What the Tourist Should Do
Do not leave the property until a court orders eviction — self-help eviction (changing locks, cutting utilities) is illegal. If you receive a written notice, consult a lawyer immediately to verify if it meets legal requirements. Pay any overdue rent immediately and keep bank transfer proof. Attend all court hearings or ensure your lawyer represents you. File a criminal complaint if the landlord attempts to force you out without a court order.
The Risks
Ignoring a valid court-ordered eviction can lead to enforcement by bailiffs (icra müdürlüğü) and additional costs. If the eviction is based on non-payment, you must pay all arrears to stop the process. Failing to respond to a lawsuit within the legal deadline can result in a default judgment. Some landlords attempt to bypass the legal process through intimidation or cutting services — these actions are criminal offenses.
LetFix Solution
LetFix defends foreign tenants facing eviction in Turkey. Our lawyers analyze eviction notices for legal validity, represent tenants in court proceedings, and ensure landlords follow proper legal procedures.
