🏠 Renting in Ankara — What You Should Know

Finding an apartment in Ankara as a foreigner is not difficult, but understanding the process helps you avoid stress and save money.
Here’s your complete guide to renting legally and safely in 2025.

📋 Step 1: Decide What You Need

Before you start searching, define your priorities:

• Location (proximity to work, metro, embassy area)
• Furnished or unfurnished
• Budget in TL or EUR
• Pet-friendly or not
• Length of stay (short-term or 1-year contract)

💡 Tip: Most landlords prefer long-term (12-month) contracts and request at least 1–2 months’ rent as a deposit.

🧭 Step 2: Where to Search

You can find listings through:

• Local real estate agencies (like Mavi Emlak 😉)
• Property websites such as sahibinden.com or hepsiemlak.com
• Facebook expat groups (but always verify listings carefully)

If you don’t speak Turkish, using a bilingual agency is strongly recommended to avoid misunderstandings in contracts.

📑 Step 3: Documents You’ll Need

To sign a rental agreement, you’ll usually need:

• Passport or residence permit
• Turkish tax number (can be obtained easily at tax offices)
• Proof of income or job (sometimes requested)

Your agency will prepare the rental contract (kira sözleşmesi), which should clearly state:

• Rent amount (in TL, even if paid in EUR/USD)
• Deposit
• Contract length
• Payment method
• Responsibility for utilities

💰 Step 4: Deposit and Payments

Landlords normally ask for one or two months’ deposit.
This is refundable at the end of the contract if the apartment is returned in good condition.

Always request a written receipt for every payment (bank transfer is safest).

⚖️ Step 5: Understanding Your Rights

• The tenant has the right to stay for the full contract period.
• The landlord cannot raise rent mid-contract.
• Rent increases follow the official inflation index (TÜFE) each year.
• The landlord must provide a legal eviction notice if there’s a dispute.

🛠️ Step 6: Setting Up Utilities

Once you move in, you may need to transfer utilities to your name:

• Electricity (Enerjisa)
• Water (ASKİ)
• Natural Gas (BaşkentGaz)
• Internet (Turk Telekom, Vodafone, Superonline)

Your real estate agent can help with this paperwork.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Paying large deposits without a signed contract
• Signing contracts you don’t fully understand (always translate!)
• Forgetting to register your rental address — it’s needed for residence permits
• Paying rent in cash without receipts

🗝️ Mavi Emlak Tip

Many foreigners prefer Çankaya, Oran, and GOP because of proximity to embassies, schools, and public transport.
Mavi Emlak offers English-speaking assistance for all steps — from viewing to contract signing.

💬 Final Thoughts

Renting in Ankara can be simple and secure when you know the process and work with a trustworthy agent.
With good preparation, you’ll find comfortable, affordable housing in one of Turkey’s most livable cities.

📞 Call to Action

Ready to rent your new home in Ankara?
Contact Mavi Emlak today for personalized help in English, French, or Turkish.