Tenant Rights in Turkish Urban Transformation (2026): Eviction Period, Relocation Payments and Tax Exemptions
- Tenants living in or running a business in a risky building may receive a one-off payment of twice the monthly rent assistance — TRY 16,000 in Istanbul.
- Under Istanbul's Yarısı Bizden campaign, TRY 125,000 relocation support is paid to whoever lives in the home — the tenant, if a tenant lives there.
- Vacating a risky building is mandatory: owners are given up to 90 days and notices are displayed for 15 days; buildings not vacated in time can be cleared with police assistance.
- Tenants who have lived in the risky building for at least one year benefit from certain tax and fee exemptions on first acquisitions in new buildings and related loans.
When the building you rent is declared risky, the two big questions are how soon you must leave and what support you are entitled to. Turkish urban transformation law protects tenants less extensively than owners, but there are important rights to know.
Payments available to tenants
| Support | Who | Amount | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-off rent assistance | Residential or business tenant | 2x monthly rent assistance (Istanbul TRY 16,000) | Regulation Art. 16 |
| Yarısı Bizden relocation support | Occupant of an Istanbul home (tenant if a tenant lives there) | TRY 125,000, one-off | Ministry campaign rules |
| Tax, fee and BSMV exemptions | Tenant resident for at least 1 year | First acquisitions in new buildings and related loans | Law Art. 7 |
One-off amounts by province group: Istanbul TRY 16,000; Ankara, İzmir, Antalya, Bursa TRY 13,000; other metropolitan cities TRY 11,000; other provinces TRY 9,000 (based on the Ministry's latest announcement, in force since 2025). See our rent assistance guide.
Eviction period and process
- The risky building decision is posted on the building, sent to owners via e-Government and displayed at the neighbourhood office for 15 days.
- Once final, the authority asks owners to vacate and demolish within up to 90 days.
- The eviction notice is likewise posted and displayed for 15 days; the last day counts as the notification date.
- Vacating within the given period is mandatory. Buildings not vacated may be cleared with police assistance.
Lease, deposit and prepaid rent
Tenants have no right to remain once eviction is mandatory. Deposit refunds and prepaid rent are settled with the landlord under the lease and the Turkish Code of Obligations; seek legal advice in a dispute.
Extra rights after one year of residence
Tenants who have lived in the risky building for at least one year (or run a business there) benefit from:
- exemptions from notary, land registry and municipal fees and stamp duty on first acquisitions, transfers and mortgages in the new buildings,
- exemption from banking and insurance transactions tax on related loans,
- possible allocation of housing, workplaces, loans or a housing certificate in authority-led projects.
Keep an up-to-date lease and address registration to prove residence.
Business tenants
Tenants running a business in a risky building can also receive the 2x one-off payment. Under Yarısı Bizden, grants and loans for business units go to owners.
Checklist for tenants
- Make sure your lease and address registration are current.
- Note the date of the eviction notice; you must apply within 1 year of eviction or demolition.
- Apply to the Provincial Directorate (or the municipality if delegated).
- In Yarısı Bizden projects, stay in touch with your landlord about relocation support.
ÇET Yapı's approach
In the urban transformation projects we take on, ÇET Yapı agrees the eviction schedule with owners early and helps keep tenants informed. Learn more on our urban transformation page.
This article is general information; consult a lawyer about your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much relocation support do tenants get?
Under Ministry rent assistance, a one-off payment of twice the monthly amount: TRY 16,000 in Istanbul and TRY 13,000 in Ankara, İzmir, Antalya and Bursa. In Istanbul Yarısı Bizden projects, TRY 125,000 relocation support is also paid to the occupant.
Do tenants receive monthly rent assistance?
No. Monthly assistance is for owners; tenants receive a one-off payment.
How long do tenants have to move out?
Once the risky building decision is final, the authority gives owners up to 90 days to vacate and demolish. Notices are posted on the building, sent via e-Government and displayed for 15 days; tenants must move out within this period in practice.
What if a tenant refuses to leave?
Vacating within the given period is mandatory under Law No. 6306. Buildings not vacated can be cleared with police assistance on the district governor's permission.
Where do tenants apply?
To the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, or the municipality if authority was delegated, within one year of eviction or demolition. A lease agreement and address registration are usually required.
Sources
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