As of 2025, rent increase rates have become a critical issue directly affecting both residential and commercial tenants. In Turkey, rent increases are limited by the Turkish Code of Obligations and related legal regulations, and are calculated in line with the CPI (Consumer Price Index) rates announced each year. However, due to economic fluctuations and temporary legal regulations in recent years, exceptional applications have also come to the fore in rent increases.
What is the Rent Increase Rate for 2025?
In 2025, the rent increase rate is primarily calculated based on the 12-month average of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This rate is announced monthly by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), and the rent increase rate to be applied in lease agreements is determined according to these data.
- For residential rents: The temporary 25% rent increase cap applied since 2022 has expired at the end of 2024. In 2025, the 12-month average of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) will once again apply to residential rents.
- For commercial rents: The CPI average has been applied to commercial rents since 2023. The same system will continue in 2025.
Therefore, in 2025, the legal increase rate for both residential and commercial rents will be limited to the 12-month average of the CPI.
How is the Rent Increase Rate Calculated?
When calculating the rent increase rate, the previous year’s rent amount and the 12-month average of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) are taken into account.
Sample Calculation:
- Current rent: 10,000 TL
- The 12-month CPI average announced by TÜİK: 54%
- New rent = 10,000 TL + (54% x 10,000 TL) = 15,400 TL
However, it should be noted that the parties may agree on a lower rate in the lease agreement. Setting a higher rate is legally invalid.
The Role of Inflation in Rent Increases
As of 2025, inflation rates directly affect rent increases. Especially during periods when the CPI is high, rent increases become a significant economic burden for tenants, while landlords want to protect the value of their properties against inflation. Therefore, the accurate interpretation of inflation data is critical for both tenants and landlords in the rent increase process.
Comparable Rent Application in Residential Rentals
The issue of comparable rent will remain on the agenda in 2025. Particularly in large cities, the fact that the prices of newly rented homes are much higher than current rents is causing disputes between tenants and landlords.
Comparable rent application comes into play in the following situations:
- In rent determination cases: If one of the parties claims that the rent is not fair, the court takes into account comparable rents in the surrounding area.
- For contracts that have reached 5 years: Pursuant to Article 344 of the Turkish Code of Obligations, when a lease agreement reaches 5 years, the landlord may file a lawsuit to request that the rent be increased to the comparable value.
Exceptions to Rent Increases
Although the general rule for 2025 is the average CPI, there are some exceptions:
- Lease agreements that have been in effect for five years: The comparable rent amount is taken into account, not the CPI limit.
- Rent adjustment case: If, due to extraordinary economic conditions, the rent becomes unbearable for one of the parties, the court may adjust it.
- Rent determination lawsuits: In these lawsuits filed by the landlord, the new rent amount is determined by taking into account comparable rents in the area.
- Absence of a rent increase clause in the contract: If there is no provision in the contract regarding rent increases, the landlord cannot directly demand an increase.
The Importance of Supreme Court Decisions in Rent Increases
Supreme Court rulings on disputes related to rent increases are not binding on lower courts but serve as guidance. Supreme Court precedents are particularly important in determining comparable rent amounts, how increase rates should be applied in lease agreements that have reached five years, and which criteria should be considered in adjustment lawsuits. This ensures that judges’ decisions in similar cases are more predictable and minimizes uncertainties between tenants and landlords.
As of 2025, the Supreme Court’s rulings on rental law both protect tenants’ rights and ensure that landlords receive fair income from their properties. Particularly during periods of high inflation, the Supreme Court aims to establish a fair balance by considering not only CPI rates but also the location and physical characteristics of the leased property and comparable rental prices. Therefore, it is highly beneficial for parties involved in disputes over rent increases to review Supreme Court rulings and utilize these precedents in legal proceedings.
Things Tenants Should Pay Attention to in 2025
- Keep track of the CPI rate: Compare the rate your landlord wants to increase rent by checking the rates announced by TÜİK every month.
- Review your contract: If there is no increase clause, there is no legal obligation regarding raises.
- Pay attention to comparable rents: The most important evidence in court proceedings is comparable rent amounts.
- Know your rights: You can take legal action against unfair rent increase demands.
Things Homeowners Should Pay Attention to in 2025
- Do not exceed the legal rate: Requesting a raise above the average CPI is legally invalid.
- You have the right to file a rent determination lawsuit: For contracts that have been in effect for 5 years, you can request an adjustment to the comparable rent amount.
- Possibility of adjustment: In the event of a change in economic conditions, an adjustment may be made by court order.
- Pay attention to the contract terms: Clearly stating the rent increase rate in the contract prevents future disputes.
Rent Determination Cases and Their Importance in 2025
Rent determination lawsuits will be among the most common lawsuits filed in 2025. This is because there are significant differences between the CPI limits and actual market values for rent increases, particularly in large cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
In these cases, the courts:
- Comparable rental rates in the area,
- The physical characteristics of the leased property,
- Its location, transportation options,
- Determines the new rent amount taking into account economic conditions.
Legal Support with Atakan Ayhan Law Firm
Rent increase rates for 2025, comparative rent determinations, and exceptional circumstances are a complex process for both tenants and landlords. One wrong step can lead to both financial losses and lengthy lawsuits.
At this point, Attorney Atakan Ayhan and his team offer professional legal advice to both tenants and landlords with their experience in rental law. Getting expert support in rent determination lawsuits, adjustment lawsuits, and comparable rent determination processes will prevent loss of rights.
In 2025, rent increase rates will be applied based on the 12-month average of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). For contracts that have reached their fifth year, comparable rent amounts will be taken into consideration. In exceptional cases, rent determination and adjustment lawsuits will be initiated, and it will be crucial for the parties to seek professional legal support during these processes.
Understanding rent increase rates, comparable cases, and exceptions correctly is the most effective way to prevent loss of rights for both tenants and landlords.
