Housing

The housing strategy for nomads

Finding an apartment in Istanbul takes a different approach depending on how long you're staying. Here's the recommended path:

1. Week 1-4: Book a furnished Airbnb or Flatio apartment. Use this time to explore neighborhoods in person.
2. Month 2+: Find a furnished apartment through local platforms or the community. Negotiate rent directly with the landlord.
3. Month 6+: Consider an unfurnished apartment for lower rent. Buy basics from IKEA or local markets.

Most important tip: Never rent an apartment without seeing it in person. Scams exist on every platform. If you can't visit, ask a community member to check it for you.

Where to search

For short stays (1-3 months)

For longer stays (3+ months)

Tip: Sahibinden is where locals find apartments. The prices are real (not inflated for foreigners). Use Google Translate and filter by "Mobilyali" (furnished) if you need furniture.

What a typical rental costs

See the Cost of Living guide for full neighborhood price breakdowns. Quick reference:

Furnished apartments marketed to foreigners typically cost 20-35% more than unfurnished local rentals.

The rental process

What you need

• Passport (original)
• Deposit - usually 1-2 months rent (refundable)
• First month's rent upfront
• Agent fee - typically one month's rent (if using an agent)
• Budget 3-4x monthly rent for move-in costs (deposit + first month + agent)

Signing a lease

• Leases are typically 1 year, but you can negotiate shorter terms, especially for furnished apartments
• Foreigners have the same rental rights as Turkish citizens
• Get a bilingual contract (Turkish + English) or have someone translate key terms
• The contract should state: rent amount, deposit amount, payment schedule, notice period, and what is included (utilities, internet, furniture)
• Keep a copy of the signed contract - you may need it for residence permit applications

What to check before signing

1. Visit in person. No exceptions.
2. Test the water pressure (hot and cold) and check for damp/mold in bathrooms
3. Check the internet - ask what speed is available and test it if possible
4. Ask about heating - natural gas ("dogalgaz") is the cheapest option. Electric heating is expensive.
5. Check appliances - washing machine, fridge, oven. Document any existing damage with photos.
6. Ask about "aidat" - monthly building maintenance fee (usually 500-2,000 TL). Clarify if tenant or landlord pays.
7. Clarify utilities - water, electricity, natural gas. Are they included or separate? Who pays?

Tenant rights

Turkey has strong tenant protection laws:

• Rent increases are capped by law. In 2026, the cap is tied to the official inflation rate (currently ~30%). Your landlord can't increase rent beyond this during your lease.
• Eviction requires a court order. You can't be kicked out without legal cause as long as you pay rent on time.
• Deposit must be returned when you move out, minus any documented damages.
• Notice period is typically 1-2 months. Check your contract.

Warning: Some landlords try to bypass tenant protection by asking you to sign a new lease at a higher rate each year. You're not legally required to agree. The capped increase applies automatically.

Common issues and how to handle them

"The price is different for foreigners"

This happens. Some landlords or agents quote higher prices to foreigners. Counter this by:

• Checking comparable listings on Sahibinden for the same neighborhood
• Having a Turkish-speaking friend negotiate
• Being willing to walk away - there are plenty of apartments

Scams to avoid

• Never pay before visiting. If someone asks for a deposit to "hold" an apartment you haven't seen, walk away.
• Verify ownership. Ask to see the "tapu" (property deed) or a utility bill in the landlord's name.
• Be cautious with agents who show many apartments quickly and pressure you to decide immediately.

Utilities setup

If utilities aren't included in rent, you need to transfer them to your name:

• Electric (BEDAS): Visit a local office with your passport and lease. Or use the BEDAS website.
• Natural gas (IGDAS): Same process. IGDAS website.
• Water (ISKI): Handled by the building management in most apartments.
• Internet: See our Internet & SIM Cards guide for fiber setup options.

Furnished apartment checklist

When renting furnished, make sure the apartment includes:

• Bed with mattress
• Wardrobe/closet
• Washing machine
• Refrigerator
• Stove/oven
• Hot water heater (kombi)
• Internet router (or fiber infrastructure)
• Basic kitchen items (pots, plates, cutlery)
• Curtains/blinds

If anything is missing, negotiate before signing. Getting the landlord to add a washing machine after you move in is much harder.