In Turkey, the legal rules for accommodation differ significantly between licensed hotels and informal short-term rentals arranged through platforms such as Airbnb. Foreign guests and foreign property owners should understand not only the commercial terms, but also the registration duties, safety requirements and the potential legal risks when things go wrong.
1. Identity registration duties for hotels and official accommodation
Hotels, motels, hostels, guesthouses and similar facilities are subject to the Identity Reporting Law No. 1774. Under this law, accommodation businesses must record the identity details of each guest and transmit this information to the police or gendarmerie, usually via an electronic system integrated with their hotel software.
For the guest, this means that presenting a passport or Turkish ID at check-in is not just a hotel policy, but a legal obligation. If the hotel fails to keep accurate records, does not report guests properly, or allows someone to stay without identification, the operator may face administrative fines and other sanctions, including potential closure in serious or repeated cases.
Under the new short-term rental regime, licensed tourism rentals (see below) are also subject to the same identity reporting rules; the permit holder is legally responsible for compliance with Law No. 1774.
2. The new “Airbnb Law” and unlicensed short-term rentals
As of 1 January 2024, Law No. 7464 on Tourism-Purpose Rental of Residences introduced a specific legal framework for short-term rentals. Any rental of a residence to guests for up to 100 days at a time is considered a tourism-purpose rental and requires a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism before the property can be listed or rented.
To obtain this permit, the owner must satisfy several conditions, including (in most apartment buildings) obtaining unanimous approval from other co-owners and complying with fire and safety standards. A special plaque showing that the unit is authorized as a tourism rental must be placed at the entrance.
If a property is rented short-term without the required permit, very significant administrative fines can be imposed. Law No. 7464 sets escalating fines (for example, 100,000 TL for each unpermitted unit, increasing up to 1,000,000 TL if non-compliance continues), and also fines intermediaries that facilitate unlicensed rentals.
For foreign guests, this means that booking an “illegal” unit may result in inspections, fines for the owner and even sudden closure of the listing during your stay.
3. Safety, theft and neighbour disputes
Licensed hotels and permitted short-term rentals must comply with basic fire and safety standards and guest registration rules. By contrast, many informal Airbnb-style rentals do not have systematic inspections. In practice this can mean:
- lack of fire alarms, extinguishers or clearly marked exits;
- no earthquake preparedness despite Turkey’s high seismic risk;
- unregistered stays, making it harder to prove you were a guest if theft, assault or another crime occurs.
Noise, overcrowding and disrespect for building rules frequently lead to complaints from neighbours and the building management. In Turkey, the condominium board may notify the municipality or the Ministry of Culture and Tourism if it believes tourism rentals are unlawful or disturbing the building. This can lead to inspections and penalties for the owner, and in extreme cases interruption of your stay.
4. Deposits, early departure and cancellation disputes
On platforms such as Airbnb, deposits, cancellation and refund conditions are mainly governed by the platform’s own terms and the host’s listing rules. However, where Turkish law applies (for example, if you paid directly to the owner, or if the arrangement is re-characterised as a lease), general rules of contract and consumer protection law may also be relevant.
Common issues include:
- disputes over damage deposits (host claiming excessive damage);
- disagreement on partial refunds when the guest leaves early due to noise, safety concerns or other problems;
- confusion about whether local consumer authorities or courts in Turkey have jurisdiction in addition to the platform’s internal dispute system.
To protect yourself, you should:
- keep all written communications with the host on the platform;
- photograph the property at check-in and check-out;
- ask for an invoice or receipt when paying directly.
5. Long-term stays: when classic tenancy law applies
If you rent a property for more than 100 days at once, the “Airbnb Law” does not apply; instead, the arrangement is normally treated as a standard residential lease governed by the Turkish Code of Obligations.
For foreign tenants staying long term, this means:
- you gain classic tenant protections, including limited eviction grounds and notice periods;
- deposit rules (such as keeping the deposit in a bank account for longer-term leases) may apply;
- rent increases are subject to legal caps and indexation rules.
However, it also means that eviction cases, deposit disputes and other conflicts will be handled under Turkish tenancy law and, if necessary, in Turkish courts—often after a mandatory mediation process. Legal advice from a Turkish lawyer is strongly recommended before signing a long-term lease or if you face eviction or deposit problems.
6. Practical tips for foreigners
- Prefer licensed hotels or properly permitted short-term rentals that can provide an official invoice and proof of registration.
- Ask your host whether they hold a tourism rental permit and look for the official plaque at the building entrance.
- Avoid paying large amounts in cash outside the platform; if you must, obtain a written contract and receipt.
- In case of serious noise, safety or criminal issues, contact the local police (155/112) and keep your booking documents ready as proof of your guest status.
This note is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored guidance, consult a Turkish attorney experienced in real estate and tourism law.
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