Deposit terms and return conditions
Confirm the deposit amount, and in writing, the conditions under which it is withheld or returned at move-out — not just a verbal assurance.
Who pays which utilities and building fees
Building maintenance fees (aidat) and which utilities are the tenant's responsibility vs. included should be explicit, not assumed.
Lease length and renewal terms
Turkish rental law has specific tenant protections around renewal and rent increases on renewal — know what your specific contract says versus what the law defaults to.
DASK earthquake insurance
This is mandatory for residential leases in Türkiye. Confirm it's in place and who is paying for it — it's inexpensive but easy to overlook.
Early termination terms
If your plans could change, check what penalty (if any) applies to breaking the lease early, and the required notice period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want a contract checklist for your specific lease?
The Housing Shortlist File includes a localized contract checklist as part of the service.
See the Housing Shortlist File