EUR
enImportant clarifications on the issue of resolving landlord-tenant disputes
As you know, since 1 September 2023, Turkey has had a mediator law in place, according to which all disputes between landlords and tenants are first resolved with the help of a mediator and only then can be brought to court if the parties fail to reach an agreement. We would like to draw your attention to important points in the matter of resolving such disputes.
Important: The costs incurred in seeking mediation to resolve problems will now be borne jointly by tenants and landlords.
Ali Erdem Gündoğan, one of the lawyers of the Ankara Bar Association, drew attention to an important detail regarding the mandatory practice of mediation. Gündogan stated that the first meeting is of great importance in this process. He strongly advises landlords and tenants to be sure to attend the first mediation meeting, even if they intend to go to court later on.
The fact is that the party who does not attend the first meeting must pay all of the mediation costs themselves, even if they win the case. Therefore, it is very important to attend the first meeting.
For example, if a dispute of 100,000 liras is pending, if an agreement is reached between the landlord and the tenant, each party must pay 3% of the amount, i.e. 3,000 liras, for the mediator's services. If no agreement is reached, the losing party will pay the full amount of 6,000 liras. However, if the winning party did not attend the first hearing, it will have to pay the full 6,000 liras, even if it won the case.
