What is a rental deposit in Türkiye and how much can it be?
A rental deposit is money the tenant gives at the start of the lease as security for obligations such as rent, dues or damage. For homes and roofed workplaces it can be at most three months' rent, is held in a time-deposit account in the tenant's name, and the balance is returned at the end of the lease once any debts are settled.
Details
- For homes and roofed workplaces the deposit can be at most three months' rent; any higher figure written into the contract is void for the excess.
- When given as money, the deposit is kept in a time-deposit account in the tenant's name and cannot be withdrawn without the tenant's consent.
- At the end of the lease the landlord deducts rent, dues and any damage, then returns the balance; without a justified claim the landlord cannot keep it.
Example
For a home with monthly rent of 20,000 TL the deposit can be at most 60,000 TL. If the tenant leaves with no rent or dues debt and the landlord raises no damage claim, the amount is returned from the bank account.
Legal basis
- Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098, Art. 342 (rental security: up to three months' rent, held in the tenant's bank account).
Frequently asked
How much can a rental deposit be?
For homes and roofed workplaces, at most three months' rent. Any excess written into the contract is unenforceable.
What if the landlord does not return the deposit?
If the lease has ended and the tenant owes nothing, and the landlord does not start enforcement or a lawsuit within a set period, the tenant can withdraw the money from the bank.
Related tools and documents
This page gives general information and is not legal or tax advice. For your own situation, consult a lawyer or an accountant. To cite this page: Emlivo, “What is a rental deposit in Türkiye and how much can it be?”, 24 October 2026, https://www.emlivo.com/en/guide/rental-deposit-turkey