Renting and Tenancy
Tenant and Landlord Obligations: Expenses, Dues, and Repairs
Who pays the monthly dues, who fixes a broken boiler, and who's responsible for property tax? We explain the parties' obligations and how expenses are split in a lease relationship.
2 min read
A significant share of disputes in a lease relationship arise over who is responsible for which expense. The Turkish Code of Obligations sets a general framework, and the contract can fill in the details within it.
General split
| Item | Usually whose responsibility? |
|---|---|
| Rent | Tenant |
| Electricity, water, gas consumption | Tenant |
| Ordinary shared expenses within the dues (aidat) (cleaning, common-area electricity, staff) | Tenant |
| Renewal and capital expenses within the dues (elevator overhaul, facade, roof) | Landlord |
| Property tax, DASK (earthquake insurance) | Landlord |
| Minor repairs and cleaning from everyday use | Tenant |
| Defects and substantial repairs (boiler failure, deteriorated plumbing, roof leaks) | Landlord |
Tenant's obligations
- Paying the rent and incidental expenses on time
- Using the property with care and respecting neighbors
- Not making substantial alterations without the landlord's permission
- Notifying the landlord of defects without delay
- Returning the property at the end of the contract in the condition it was received
Landlord's obligations
- Delivering the property in a habitable condition and keeping it that way
- Having substantial repairs carried out
- Covering taxes and similar obligations related to the property
- Not obstructing the tenant's use of the property without justified cause
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for legal, financial or tax advice. Rates, amounts and legislation can change over time. Confirm current information with the relevant authority or a professional before proceeding with a transaction.