How to Complain If Your Neighbor Rents Their Apartment for Daily Use in Türkiye

In recent years, daily rental apartments, summer homes, and short-term lets have become a significant part of Türkiye’s tourism and accommodation industry. While these rentals are convenient and affordable for tourists, especially during the summer season, they have also brought about serious legal and social concerns—especially for neighbors who live in the same building.

If your neighbor is renting out their apartment on a daily or hourly basis (such as through Airbnb) and it causes disturbance or raises concerns of illegal activity, you have legal options to make a formal complaint and stop the practice. This blog explains your rights, the legal procedures involved, and how Bayraktar Attorneys can help.

Common Complaints About Daily Rentals in Residential Buildings

Residents often complain about:

• Constant change of tenants creating a lack of security

• Noise disturbances at night

• Use of properties for illegal activities like drug use or prostitution

• Unregistered income and unfair tax evasion

• Disruption to neighborhood peace and rental balance

These concerns have prompted authorities to take serious steps to regulate daily rentals.

Is Daily Rental Legal in Residential Buildings?

Yes, but only if strict conditions are met. According to Turkish law:

• A pension (pansiyon) license must be obtained from the local municipality.

• The apartment must be in a residential building with occupancy permit (iskan).

• The landlord must register the property for tax purposes and obtain a tax ID.

• All guests must be reported through the identity notification system (Kimlik Bildirim Sistemi) to local law enforcement.

Importantly, written unanimous consent from all other unit owners (kat malikleri) in the building is required to legally operate a daily rental unit.

What Legal Basis Can You Use to Complain?

Lack of License or Registration

If the landlord is renting the unit without a municipal license, it's considered an unauthorized business activity. You can report this to:

• The Municipality’s Zoning and Licensing Department

• The Tax Authority (for unregistered income)

• Police or local governor’s office (Kaymakamlık) for violation of Kimlik Bildirme Kanunu

No Consent from Co-Owners

According to the Business License Regulation (2005/9207), if the property is not legally registered as a commercial unit or if other co-owners didn’t consent in writing, you can:

• Complain to the Condominium Management

• File a civil lawsuit for “cessation of unauthorized use” under Turkish Property Law

Violation of Public Order

If there’s criminal activity or frequent disturbance, you can:

• Call Police Emergency Line 112

• Submit an anonymous report through your district police station

• Contact Bayraktar Attorneys for filing a formal complaint or lawsuit

Recent Developments – Neighbor Approval and Reporting Hotlines

In 2023, the government announced new measures to increase control over daily rentals:

• Mandatory Neighbor Consent: Any daily rental must receive prior written approval from all neighbors.

• Reporting Hotlines: Local bar associations and tourism authorities are developing reporting systems to allow faster and anonymous complaints.

• Increased Tax Audits: The Ministry of Finance has started inspecting thousands of short-term rental properties, issuing high fines for unreported income.

What Are the Penalties for Illegal Daily Rentals?

Violations may result in:

• Administrative fines under the Misdemeanors Law (Kabahatler Kanunu)

• Temporary sealing (mühürleme) of the property

• Permanent license revocation for repeated offenses

• Up to 18,000 TL fines for unlicensed operations (based on recent practice)

• Criminal sanctions for unlawful use, such as hosting illegal activities

How Can Bayraktar Attorneys Help?

If you're disturbed by a neighbor renting out their apartment daily, our law firm can assist you with:

• Investigating the legality of the rental operation

• Sending formal cease-and-desist letters to the property owner

• Filing complaints with the local municipality, police, and tax authorities

• Representing you in court if the rental affects your peace, safety, or legal rights

• Coordinating with your building management for consent-based enforcement

📩 Contact Us

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we help concerned residents take action against illegal daily rentals that threaten their peace, safety, and community. If you are unsure of how to report or take legal steps against such a neighbor, contact us for a free initial consultation.