Rental fraud has become an increasing concern in Turkey, especially in high-demand cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya. Scammers create fake lease agreements, impersonate landlords, or forge property ownership documents to defraud unsuspecting foreign tenants. At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers provide legal support to victims of rental fraud through criminal complaints, civil lawsuits, and property due diligence services.
Common Types of Rental Fraud in Turkey
- Fake Landlord Scam: Scammer pretends to be the property owner and collects rent or deposits
- Duplicate Lease Fraud: Property is rented to multiple tenants using copied or forged agreements
- Fake Real Estate Agent: Unauthorized intermediaries demand upfront payments or commissions
- Forged Ownership Documents: Fraudsters present fake title deeds (tapu) to mislead tenants
How to Identify a Fake Lease Agreement
Warning signs include:
- Unregistered or unsigned lease contract
- Missing landlord identity or tax number
- Refusal to provide a copy of the title deed
- Unusual urgency or pressure for payment
- Payments requested in cash or to personal accounts
Steps to Verify a Lease Before Signing
- Request a copy of the property’s title deed (Tapu)
- Check identity of the landlord against the Tapu
- Search property ownership at the Land Registry Directorate
- Use licensed real estate agencies only
- Have a lawyer review the lease before payment
Legal Remedies for Victims of Rental Fraud
- File a Criminal Complaint: Submit to the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Savcılık) for charges such as fraud (TCK 157), forgery (TCK 204), and qualified fraud (nitelikli dolandırıcılık)
- Civil Lawsuit: File for reimbursement of rent paid and moral damages
- Emergency Injunction: Prevent further use of the property by the scammer
- Notify Police: Especially if the fraud involves identity theft or residence permit scams
Criminal Penalties for Rental Fraud in Turkey
- Simple fraud (TCK 157): 1 to 5 years imprisonment
- Qualified fraud (TCK 158): 3 to 10 years imprisonment
- Document forgery (TCK 204): 2 to 5 years imprisonment
We represent clients both as victims (complainants) and as defendants wrongfully accused of fraud.
Precautions for Foreign Tenants and Expats
- Never pay before seeing the property in person
- Ask for notarized copies of all documents
- Do not rely solely on social media listings or online platforms
- Consult a lawyer before signing long-term lease agreements
Internal Legal Guides and Related Resources
- How to Check a Title Deed in Turkey
- Legal Basics of Rental Agreements
- Rights of Foreign Tenants
- Criminal Law Representation
Contact Our Rental Fraud Lawyers in Turkey
If you have been a victim of rental fraud or suspect a scam in your lease process, contact ER&GUN&ER Law Firm. Our experienced English Speaking Turkish Lawyers will guide you through the criminal complaint process, evidence gathering, and legal remedies to recover your losses and prevent future fraud.