What Happens If a Tenant Leaves Without Returning the Keys?

Many tenants believe that once they vacate a rental property, their lease is automatically terminated; however, under Turkish rental laws, a lease remains legally valid until the keys are officially returned to the landlord. Not returning the keys has serious legal implications: the lease continues to be in effect even if the tenant moves out, the landlord cannot legally enter or re-rent the property until the handover is official, and rent payments along with other obligations remain the tenant’s responsibility. To properly end a lease agreement, a tenant must inform the landlord through an official notice and return the keys directly to the landlord or the property manager. If a direct handover is not possible, a notary service must be used to officially document the key return, as the notary will issue a written notice to the landlord confirming the termination of tenancy. By following these legal steps, both landlords and tenants can avoid disputes and ensure a smooth transition at the end of the lease.