Last Updated on December 25, 2023 by Aydoğan Aknar
New Short-Term Rental Law Effective January 1st!
Turkey, approved by the Turkish Parliament, will implement a groundbreaking short-term rental law on January 1, 2024, reshaping how it manages short-term accommodations and introducing regulations to streamline the process. Approaching the new year, the short-term rental law is set to take effect, marking a significant milestone in Turkish tourism management. This strategic move aims to bring order to the burgeoning short-term rental sector.
Approval Process
The legislative journey of the short-term rental law involved meticulous scrutiny and debate within the Turkish Parliament. After successfully navigating through the parliamentary process, the law is now ready to be implemented, with the potential to redefine the dynamics of the tourism industry.
The new law notably grants exclusive authorization to A-Grade travel agencies. These agencies alone will be permitted to facilitate short-term rental transactions. This will introduce a centralized and regulated approach to the process.
Application for Permission
Individuals aiming to engage in tourism-oriented rental activities must initiate the process by applying for permission from the relevant authorities. This step ensures that all stakeholders are accounted for, promoting transparency and accountability.
The efficiency of the permit processing time is a crucial factor in the successful implementation of the law. A streamlined process assures applicants that authorities will issue permits within a reasonable timeframe, ensuring a swift transition into the new system.
Those whose applications are not approved need to understand their rights. Although unapproved, the rights of property owners and renters will continue until the end of the existing contractual period, providing a buffer period for adjustment.
Purpose of the Regulation
At the heart of this regulation is the objective to curb tax losses resulting from unregistered short-term rentals. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism aims to bring order to an industry that has an estimated 80,000 unregistered rentals. These are particularly concentrated in popular tourist destinations like Antalya, Muğla, and Denizli.
The staggering number of unregistered rentals underscores the need for such regulatory measures. The Ministry’s research reveals that a significant portion of these rentals occur in the mentioned hotspots, posing challenges to tax collection and regulatory oversight.
One key provision of the law is the exclusion of rentals that exceed 100 days from its jurisdiction. This ensures that the law primarily targets short-term tourism-oriented rentals, allowing long-term rentals to continue without added bureaucratic processes.
Obtaining Permission Plaques
Property owners venturing into tourism-oriented rentals must obtain a plaque from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The plaque is to be prominently displayed at the entrance of the rented property.
To foster community cooperation, property owners must seek approval from their neighbors before engaging in short-term rentals. This requirement aims to address potential concerns and maintain a harmonious living environment.
The law imposes strict penalties for unauthorized tourism-oriented rentals. Those found renting without the necessary permission may face an administrative fine of 100,000 TL.
The implementation of the law represents a significant step towards bringing order and transparency to the dynamic tourism landscape. The exclusive authorization for A-grade travel agencies, stringent application processes, and penalties for non-compliance collectively aim to create a regulated and sustainable short-term rental ecosystem.
