Turkey · Transaction safety
12 move-in checks before renting a flat in Turkey
From meter readings to photographs of the furniture — what to record on move-in day so the deposit comes back when you leave. A checklist for tenants in İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir and Antalya.
Deposits are lost not because landlords are malicious, but because nobody documented the real condition of the flat on move-in day. These 12 points close that gap. Go through them with the landlord on the day you take over the flat and save the result as photographs and a signed handover act (teslim tutanağı).
§ 01
Before signing the agreement
- 01Owner's documents
Check the identity of the person letting the flat against the name on the title deed (tapu — the Turkish certificate of property ownership). If a 'representative' is letting the flat, demand a notarised power of attorney; without one, do not sign the agreement.
- 02Spouse's consent
If the flat was bought during a marriage, written consent of the other spouse is required for a long-term tenancy. It is rarely checked, but it protects you from later challenges to the contract.
- 03Registered occupants
Ask whether anyone else is registered as an occupant of the flat. Otherwise a month later a 'distant relative' may turn up whom it will not be easy to evict.
§ 02
Move-in day — documenting the state
- 01Meter readings
Photograph electricity, water and gas meters in close-up, with the date and serial number visible. Enter the figures in the handover act and sign it together with the landlord.
- 02Photo album of the flat
30–50 photographs: each room from a wide angle, furniture, kitchen, bathroom, every scratch and stain. Save them to cloud storage with an automatic date stamp — that is your main argument if the landlord tries to withhold the deposit for 'damage'.
- 03Inventory of contents
Attach a list of furniture and appliances with condition notes ('working', 'scratch on door') to the agreement. The more detailed the inventory, the fewer disputes on move-out.
- 04Keys
Record how many keys you received and which locks they fit. Return exactly the same number when you leave. If the lock is electronic, ask for the code to be changed.
§ 03
Formalising the paperwork
- 01Deposit receipt
The deposit (depozito) is documented separately, not as part of the tenancy contract. The receipt must show: the amount in words, the date, the basis ('deposit for the rental of the flat at address…'), both parties' details and signatures.
- 02Channel of communication
Agree which channel (WhatsApp / e-mail) you will use to communicate and to log complaints. Keep the correspondence — in court it carries the weight of written evidence.
⚠ This material is for informational purposes only and does not replace legal advice. For major transactions always work with a qualified specialist in your country.