Landlord's Disclosure and Delivery Obligations (Turkey)
The landlord's obligation to deliver the property in Turkey as per the contract, liability for hidden defects, and the Energy Identity Certificate requirement.
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
A culture of standardized, signature-required specific "hazard disclosure brochures" (like the "Lead Paint" culture in American law) is not common in Turkish tenancy legislation. However, under the framework of the Turkish Code of Obligations (TCO), effective 1 July 2012, the landlord's obligation to deliver the property fit for habitation and their "Liability for Defects (Kusurdan Sorumluluk)" is extremely broad and protective.
1. Obligation to Deliver and Maintain in Habitable Condition
Pursuant to TCO Article 301, the landlord is obliged to deliver the leased property on the agreed date in a condition suitable for the intended use specified in the contract ("ready to live in, healthy, undamaged") and to maintain it in this condition throughout the lease term. This is the primary obligation of the property owner, and regulations against this (to the detriment of the tenant) cannot be made.
If the house is delivered to the tenant with a significant hidden defect (e.g., a severe plumbing leak to the lower floor appearing 1 week after signing the contract, hidden severe dampness smell, or a hidden bedbug/cockroach infestation), the landlord is obliged to remedy this defect.
Tenant's Rights (When a Defect Arises):
- Requesting the remedy of the defect: The tenant gives the landlord a reasonable time to repair the house. If not remedied within this time, the tenant can have it repaired themselves and deduct the cost from the rent (TCO 306).
- Requesting a price reduction (Rent reduction).
- If the defect completely prevents the use of the house (e.g., the heating system not working in winter and being irreparable), the tenant has the right to Terminate the Contract with justified cause. Because the landlord did not make an honest disclosure, they are obliged to return the deposit entirely.
2. Energy Identity Certificate (EKB/EPC) Requirement
To increase energy efficiency in buildings in Turkey, the "Regulation on Energy Performance in Buildings" is in effect.
- According to the legislation; the arrangement of the Energy Identity Certificate (EKB) is mandatory in the purchase, sale, and leasing transactions of existing buildings and all new buildings to be constructed.
- The landlord is obliged to provide a copy of this EKB document (which classifies the isolation status and how much fuel the house or the whole building consumes as A, B, C, etc.), obtained through the apartment manager or themselves, to the tenant or their representative while signing the lease agreement.
3. DASK (Compulsory Earthquake Insurance) Status
Since Turkey is located on a seismic zone, having a DASK (Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool) policy is a national obligation for residences.
- The property owner (landlord) is obliged to arrange the DASK policy for the house and pay its premiums. The DASK premium debt cannot be forced upon the tenant.
- In practice, when the tenant moves into the house, to open the "Electricity, Water, and Natural Gas" subscriptions (Public utilities) in their own name, they are required to request the number or a photocopy of the current and valid DASK policy of the residence from the landlord. Without declaring the DASK policy, public utility companies do not open electricity or water in the tenant's name.
Proceed to the next document: Rent Increase Rates in Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What property disclosures are landlords required to make in Turkey?
Landlords in Turkey must disclose relevant information about the property to prospective tenants before the lease is signed. Required disclosures typically include known material defects, environmental hazards, previous damage history, and any conditions that could affect the tenant's use and enjoyment of the property.
▶What are the key landlord-tenant laws in Turkey?
Tenancy relations in Turkey are regulated by the Turkish Code of Obligations (TCO). The law is notoriously protective of tenants, treating them as the economically weaker party. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the legal eviction process for landlords in Turkey?
The eviction process in Turkey requires landlords to follow formal legal procedures. Valid grounds typically include non-payment of rent, lease violations, or the landlord's personal use of the property. Landlords must provide proper written notice, allow any required cure periods, and may need to obtain a court or tribunal order. Self-help evictions are generally prohibited.
Read the complete guide▶What are the rent increase limits and caps in Turkey?
Turkey has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. These rules may include caps on the percentage of increase, minimum notice periods, and restrictions on frequency. Landlords must comply with all applicable regulations when raising rent on existing tenancies.
Read the complete guide▶What are the security deposit rules and return deadlines in Turkey?
Turkey has rules governing how much landlords can charge as a security deposit, how deposits must be held or protected, and the timeline for returning deposits after a tenancy ends. Landlords must provide itemized statements of any deductions and comply with all statutory deadlines to avoid penalties.
Read the complete guide▶What are the mandatory lease requirements in Turkey?
Lease agreements in Turkey must comply with applicable national and local laws. Required elements typically include the names of both parties, property description, rent amount and payment terms, deposit details, lease duration, and maintenance responsibility allocation. Written leases may be required for certain tenancy types or durations.
Read the complete guide▶What are the landlord maintenance and repair obligations in Turkey?
Landlords in Turkey are generally required to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, keeping the structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and essential services in proper working order. The specific allocation of maintenance responsibilities between landlord and tenant should be clearly documented in the lease agreement.
Read the complete guide▶What are the late fee and penalty rules for rental properties in Turkey?
Turkey has specific rules regarding late fees and penalties for overdue rent. These may include mandatory grace periods, caps on late fee amounts, and restrictions on interest charges. Late fee provisions should be clearly stated in the lease agreement and must comply with local regulations to be enforceable.
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