What are the Landlord's Obligations? (2026)
What Are the Landlord's Obligations?
The landlord's obligations ensure the healthy conduct of the lease agreement. This is because a rental relationship is not solely comprised of the tenant's payment obligation. At the same time, the landlord must also fulfill certain responsibilities.
The Turkish Code of Obligations clearly regulates these obligations. In this way, it establishes a balance between the parties and reduces the risk of disputes.
The Landlord's Obligations: Fundamental Duties
The landlord's obligations are gathered under the following headings:
- Delivering the leased property
- Maintaining the property in a condition suitable for use
- Bearing tax and financial obligations
- Covering ancillary costs
- Liability for defects
For this reason, the landlord bears active responsibility throughout the term of the contract.
The Landlord's Obligation of Delivery
The landlord must deliver the leased property on time. Additionally, they must prepare the real estate in a manner suitable for its intended use.
For example, in a home rented as a residence:
- Electricity must be working
- The water system must be active
- The heating system must function properly
If these conditions are not met, the landlord is failing to fulfill their obligation.
Obligation to Keep the Leased Property Suitable for Use
The landlord's duties do not end with delivery. In addition, they must keep the real estate in a usable condition throughout the lease period.
For example:
- Repairing plumbing issues
- Performing major maintenance and repairs
- Resolving structural problems
For this reason, a tenant may request a resolution from the landlord for fundamental defects.
Tax and Financial Obligations
The landlord assumes certain expenses. The following items are particularly important:
- Property tax
- Compulsory insurance costs
- Official fees
However, the parties may make different arrangements in the contract.
Obligation to Bear Ancillary Costs
The landlord covers certain common expenses. Specifically, fixtures and structural expenses fall under this scope.
For example:
- Main structure expenses of the apartment building
- Maintenance costs of common areas
In contrast, daily usage expenses generally belong to the tenant.
Liability for Defects of the Leased Property
The landlord is liable for a defective property. For this reason, they are obligated to resolve usage issues.
Examples of defects:
- Serious water leaks
- Electrical faults
- Structural damage
In such situations, the tenant may directly claim rights.
Tenant's Rights in Case of Defects
The tenant may exercise various rights in case of a defect. For example:
- Requesting repairs
- Requesting a rent reduction
- Claiming compensation
- Terminating the contract
For this reason, the landlord must not neglect their responsibility.
Liability in Case of Late Delivery
If the landlord delivers late, the tenant may claim damages. Costs incurred specifically during the moving process are significant.
That is why the delivery date plays a critical role.
What Happens if the Property is Sold?
Even if the leased property is sold, the contract remains in effect. The new owner must abide by the existing contract.
For this reason, the tenant retains their rights and continues their occupancy.
Conclusion
The landlord's obligations ensure balance in the rental relationship. For this reason, the landlord must fulfill their duties completely. At the same time, the tenant should conscientiously pursue their rights. Thus, disputes are minimized.
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