Turkey is facing a housing crisis. Rents have been rising rapidly in recent years, and many people are struggling to afford to live in the cities where they work. In response, the government has imposed a 25% cap on rent increases.

The Turkish government has decided to extend the rent cap from July 2, 2023, to July 3, 2024, but they will review whether or not to extend it again.

What Does This Mean for Landlords?

The rent cap is a significant blow to landlords. It means they cannot raise rent to keep up with inflation. This could lead to a decline in rental income, and some landlords may be forced to sell their properties.

What Does This Mean for Tenants?

The rent cap is good news for tenants. It means that they can afford to stay in their homes for longer. However, it is essential to note that the cap is only temporary. If inflation continues to rise, tenants may face higher rents.

How to Deal with the Rent Cap

If you are a tenant, we recommend that you:

  • Deal with your landlord calmly and patiently. It is important to remember that landlords and tenants are just trying to make a living. If we can all work together and be patient, we can find solutions for everyone.
  • Be reasonable if you are earning a foreign income. If you earn a foreign income, your landlord may be more willing to negotiate a higher rent. However, being reasonable and offering a fair price for your home is crucial.
  • Negotiate and possibly pay a greater amount. If you can afford it, you may want to offer to pay a more significant amount of rent than the rent cap allows. This will show your landlord that you are a responsible tenant willing to commit to your home with compassion.
  • Pay the allotted regular CPI rate if you understand. If you understand that the rent cap is only temporary and that rents may increase, you may want to agree to pay the allotted regular CPI rate. This will ensure that your rent does not increase too much.
  • Find a comfortable medium, as 70% may be too high and 25% may be too low in fairness, but 40% may be acceptable. This will assist you in maintaining your landlord-tenant relationship.

If you are a landlord, we recommend that you:

  • Be patient and try to reach an agreement with your tenant. It is important to remember that landlords and tenants are just trying to make a living. If we can all work together and be patient, we can find solutions for everyone.
  • Consider the financial situation of your tenant. If your tenant is having trouble paying the rent, consider decreasing the price or giving other assistance rather than double down with an unjustifiable increase.
  • Be willing to negotiate. If your tenant is willing to pay a higher rent, you may be willing to negotiate a lower rent. This will show your tenant that you are willing to work with them and are interested in keeping them as a tenant.

If You Need Help

If either party needs an attorney, you can contact us, and we'll do our best to mediate the process. We've been very successful in helping tenants, and landlords find a win-win situation.

Conclusion

The rent cap is a complex issue with both pros and cons. It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully before forming an opinion.

Pros of the Rent Cap:

  • It helps tenants afford to stay in their homes
  • Reduces the number of evictions
  • Promotes social stability

Cons of the Rent Cap:

  • Reduces rental income for landlords
  • This could lead to a decline in the supply of rental housing
  • Could encourage landlords to sell their properties

We hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions by contacting us here.

Source: Resmi Gazete here.