Important Considerations for Dormitories and Rental Homes

Finding a Dorm in Turkey

Starting your search for dormitories well in advance is essential in Turkey, as the number of dormitory spots is quite limited. The main advantage of dormitories over rental homes is that the reporting process to the Migration Office is simpler and free of charge. Generally, by the first week of September, most good dormitories are either fully occupied or the better rooms are taken. Dormitory rooms tend to be small, and the food provided may not suit the taste of Azerbaijani students. During holidays like Ramadan and Eid, meals may not be provided. Dormitories in Turkey can be categorized into four types: University dormitories, State dormitories, Private dormitories, and Foundation dormitories.

First, note that not every university has a dormitory. Dormitories, when available, are usually reserved for the university’s own students, making these dormitories more convenient. Staying in such dormitories is advantageous, as they are located close to campus, and you interact with other students from your class. Some universities allocate dormitories through the Credit and Dormitories Institution (KYK) via e-Devlet, but private universities and some state universities manage their dormitories independently. In these dormitories, you usually won’t face issues with bureaucracy or contracts.

State dormitories are affordable but often have limited facilities. Rooms accommodating 6-8 people are common. Newer dormitories may offer better conditions. Applications for these dormitories are submitted through KYK using the e-Devlet system, which is nearly impossible for first-year students unless they come through YTB (Turkish Government Scholarship) or official state programs. These dormitories typically avoid issues with contracts and bureaucracy.

Private dormitories have become very expensive as of 2024. Students living in these dormitories may face significant challenges. Since the primary goal of these dormitory owners is profit, they often cut costs by providing lower-quality food. When staying in private dormitories, it’s essential to consider the following:

Sign and keep a copy of your rental agreement.
Make payments directly to the dorm manager or the dormitory’s bank account, not in cash.
If the dorm owner insists on cash payments, always ask for a receipt.
Ensure that any deposit you pay is noted in the rental agreement.
Avoid paying 4-5 months’ rent in advance, as it can be very challenging to recover this money.

Foundation dormitories are another type of dormitory. Although technically private, they deserve a separate category. These dormitories are mostly charity-based and established by religious communities. They are suitable for students with a strong religious faith who adhere to religious practices. Although these dormitories are managed by religious organizations, there are no reports of pressure to practice religion or attempts to force students to become religious. These dormitories can be very affordable and may even be free. Foundation dormitories generally do not pose any issues with bureaucracy or contract terms.

Finding a Rental Home in Turkey

Finding a home in Turkey can be challenging, especially for foreign nationals. Homes are usually rented unfurnished, and the furniture in furnished rentals is often not of high quality. The closer the property is to a university, the more expensive it tends to be. Many landlords are also reluctant to rent to students. Here are the costs you may encounter when renting a home:

Agent’s Fee: Typically equivalent to one month’s rent (not applicable if the landlord pays this).
Deposit: Usually one month’s rent (for foreigners, it may be up to two months’ rent).
Advance Rent: The first month’s rent is often required upfront.
Guarantor: Landlords may require a guarantor, preferably a government employee in Turkey. If a guarantor is unavailable, an increased deposit may be accepted as a substitute.

To register the rental agreement with the Migration Office, you must have the lease notarized, which costs around 3000 TL and is the tenant’s responsibility. The Migration Office may sometimes request the landlord’s presence to confirm the lease details. Additionally, landlords often require utility accounts (electricity, water, gas) to be in the tenant’s name. However, for new tenants without a residence permit, this can be a problem, as utility companies only issue accounts to those with a valid permit. In this case, a deposit of around 1500 TL per utility (totaling 4500 TL) is required, which will be refunded once the accounts are closed.

Common Issues and Precautions with Renting

Problems often arise between students and landlords, with landlords sometimes pressuring younger tenants. Here’s what to watch out for and steps to take:

Signing the Rental Contract: The lease must be signed by a notary by the actual property owner. Sometimes landlords authorize agents, but notaries may not accept this. Without a rental contract, you won’t be able to secure a residence permit.
Getting Back the Deposit: Many tenants face issues with deposit refunds, as landlords often make excuses not to return them. To prevent this, ensure the deposit amount is stated in the lease. If it’s withheld when you move out, report it to the authorities. Landlords may claim damages as a reason to keep the deposit; therefore, document any issues with photos sent to the landlord via WhatsApp when you first move in.
Responsibility for Repairs and Maintenance: If the property includes appliances, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to repair or replace them due to wear and tear. This includes heating systems, pipes, and any structural repairs, such as water leaks affecting neighbors.
Privacy: The landlord cannot enter the property without your permission or make any modifications without your consent, as this is a serious legal violation.
Termination of Lease: The landlord cannot unilaterally terminate the lease before its expiration, nor can they evict you. If you decide to move out, the landlord must allow you sufficient time to find a new place. If they request early termination, they are legally obligated to cover your moving costs and provide one month’s rent.
Rent Increases: The landlord cannot increase rent during the lease term. Rent adjustments must align with Turkey’s annual inflation rate (ÜFE/TÜFE) as announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute.
Visitor Restrictions: The landlord and neighbors cannot dictate who visits your home. However, if unauthorized long-term guests are identified, the landlord may have the right to terminate the lease.

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