Period of Delay in Rent Payments and Legal Consequences

Due to rising inflation and rent increases in recent years, many tenants have been experiencing difficulties in rent payments. As of July 1, 2024, the abolition of the rent increase limit caused landlords to increase rents rapidly. This situation caused tenants to have payment difficulties. So, how long can tenants delay their rent payments?

Tenant's Rent Payment

According to the Turkish Code of Obligations, the tenant has no right to delay the rent payment. The rent must be paid on the specified date. If the tenant is even 1 day late in paying the rent, the landlord can send a notice to the tenant. This notice states that the tenant must pay the amount due as soon as possible. Otherwise, the landlord may terminate the contract and evict the tenant.

Interest for Delay

If the tenant does not pay within the specified time, the landlord may charge late payment interest. In this case, an agreement between the tenant and the landlord can be beneficial for both parties. However, it is important to remember that the tenant is not legally entitled to delay even 1 day.

Notice Process

If the tenant does not pay the rent on time, the landlord has the right to send up to 2 written notices within 1 year. At the end of the lease term, the landlord has the right to sue the tenant for eviction.

 

Conclusion

Tenants should make their financial situation clear to their landlords and seek a compromise. However, it is important to remember that the law protects landlords rather than tenants. Since delays in rent payments may lead to the initiation of legal proceedings, it is important that tenants do not miss payment dates.