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.
Legal Implications of Not Returning the Keys
Even if the tenant moves out and stops living in the property, the lease continues to be in effect until the keys are handed over.
The landlord cannot legally enter the property or rent it out to someone else unless the keys are officially returned.
Rent payments and other obligations remain the tenant’s responsibility until proper termination procedures are followed.
How to Properly End a Lease Agreement?
To legally terminate a rental agreement, the tenant must:
✅ Inform the landlord through an official notice.
✅ Return the keys directly to the landlord or the property manager.
✅ If direct handover is not possible, use a notary service to officially document key return. 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.
