How to Evict a Tenant in Turkey?

How to Evict a Tenant in Turkey? 2026 – The Fastest and Legal Way to Remove a Tenant from Your Property

Tenant eviction is one of the most common legal issues in Turkey, especially with the rise of rent disputes in recent years.

Under Turkish law, a landlord cannot evict a tenant arbitrarily, but the Turkish Code of Obligations (Articles 350–356) clearly lists the legal reasons for eviction.

This guide explains how to legally evict a tenant in Turkey, the fastest method, and what options landlords have when tenants refuse to leave.

1. What Is Tenant Eviction?

Tenant eviction means the landlord’s request for the tenant to vacate the rental property (house or commercial unit) due to legally valid reasons.

Eviction can only be carried out through court order or enforcement proceedings.

A landlord cannot change the locks, move the tenant’s belongings, or cut utilities — such actions are considered illegal eviction and may result in criminal penalties.

2. Legal Ways to Evict a Tenant in Turkey

There are several legal ways to evict a tenant. The four most common are listed below.

A. Non-payment of Rent (Eviction through Enforcement)

If a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord can initiate non-judicial enforcement proceedings through the enforcement office (icra dairesi).

The tenant is given a payment order.

If the tenant does not object within 7 days and fails to pay within 30 days, the landlord can request eviction.

This is the fastest eviction method, often completed in 2–4 months.

B. Eviction Undertaking (Tahliye Taahhütnamesi)

If, after signing the lease, the tenant gives a written commitment to vacate the property by a specific date, this document can be used to request eviction.

If the tenant fails to move out on that date, the landlord can apply to the enforcement office directly without filing a lawsuit.

Because it avoids court proceedings, this is the easiest and quickest way to evict a tenant in Turkey.

C. Personal Use or Family Need

A landlord may file a lawsuit if they or their close relatives (spouse, children, parents) genuinely need the property for residence or business.

The court examines whether this need is real and sincere.

Such cases usually take 6 to 12 months to conclude.

D. End of Lease Term and Non-renewal

When a fixed-term lease expires, it does not automatically end the tenancy.

The landlord must rely on one of the legal reasons above (such as need, eviction notice, or non-payment) to start the eviction process.

3. Can a Tenant Be Evicted Immediately?

No. In Turkey, a tenant cannot be evicted overnight — the process must follow legal procedures. However, if there is unpaid rent or a valid eviction undertaking, eviction through the enforcement office can be completed relatively quickly.

To summarize: No tenant can be removed without a court or enforcement order. Eviction usually takes between 2 and 12 months, depending on the case.

Enforcement proceedings are typically the fastest solution.

4. What Is the Easiest Way to Evict a Tenant?

As of 2026, the easiest and most efficient method is using a valid eviction undertaking (tahliye taahhütnamesi).

To be legally valid, it must: Be in writing, Clearly state the evacuation date,

Be signed by the tenant, and Be given after the lease agreement is signed.

With this document, the landlord can apply directly to the enforcement office to request eviction — no court case is needed.

5. Court Eviction Cases in Turkey

If the tenant damages the property, violates the lease, or sublets without permission, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit at the Civil Court of Peace (Sulh Hukuk Mahkemesi).

Important points to remember: The lawsuit must be supported by evidence (lease contract, notices, payment records). Mediation is mandatory before filing.

The process generally takes 6–18 months, depending on court workload.

Court of Cassation (6th Civil Chamber), Decision No. 2024/3128 E., 2025/1004 K.:

“If a tenant persistently fails to pay rent, the court must rule for eviction. If the landlord’s need is proven insincere, the case should be dismissed.”

6. Key Rules for Landlords During Eviction

Eviction can only be carried out by a court bailiff or enforcement officer. Changing locks or threatening tenants is a criminal offense. A written eviction record (official report) must be prepared.

If the tenant causes damage, the landlord may also file a compensation lawsuit.

7. How to Evict a Tenant in Turkey?

Patience and Legal Compliance Are Key. The fastest and safest way to evict a tenant in Turkey is through enforcement proceedings or a valid eviction undertaking.

However, all steps must comply with Turkish law to avoid penalties or invalid actions.

Landlords are strongly advised to seek help from an experienced real estate lawyer to ensure a smooth and lawful process. How to Evict a Tenant in Turkey?