March 27, 2026

Rent Determination Lawsuit: What is it and How to File?

In this article, we aim to provide basic information in a brief and understandable manner about rent determination lawsuits, which are filed to align the rent amount determined in the lease agreement with the economic conditions of the day. This lawsuit is regulated under Articles 344 and 345 of the Turkish Code of Obligations and ensures that the rent is determined in accordance with equity. In this context, the most frequently asked questions in practice, such as what a rent determination lawsuit is, under what circumstances it can be filed, who can file it, which court has jurisdiction, and how the lawsuit process progresses, are addressed.

What is a rent determination lawsuit?

A rent determination lawsuit is a declaratory action filed to redetermine the rent set in the lease agreement in accordance with current economic conditions and comparable rental values.

With this lawsuit:

  • The rent is redetermined by the court.

                      * Rental balance between the parties is ensured.
                      * It is aimed to reach the fair market rental value.
    
                  

This matter is based on Turkish Code of Obligations Art. 344 and 345.

In which cases is a rent determination lawsuit filed?

A rent determination lawsuit is particularly filed in the following cases:

  • The rent remaining low or high according to market conditions

                      * Failure to reach an agreement on rent increase between the parties
                      * The amount losing its currency in long-term lease agreements
    
                  

This lawsuit ensures that the rent is brought into line with current conditions.

Who can file a rent determination lawsuit?

A rent determination case can be filed by both the lessor (landlord) and the tenant.

Against whom is a rent determination lawsuit filed?

A rent determination lawsuit is filed by the landlord against the tenant, or by the tenant against the landlord. This lawsuit is a declaratory action within the scope of contested litigation.

What is the competent and authorized court for a rent determination lawsuit?

The competent court is the Civil Court of Peace. The authorized court is the court of the place where the leased property is located.

Is there a time limit for a rent determination lawsuit?

The important issue regarding a rent determination lawsuit is which rental period the lawsuit will apply to.

  • If the lawsuit is filed at least 30 days before the new rental period or a notice has been served within this period, the determined rent will apply in the new period.

                      * Otherwise, the decision becomes valid in the following rental period.
                      * Additionally: In lease agreements that have completed **5 years**, the rent can
                          be redetermined according to market precedents (TCO Art. 344).
    
                  

What should be done before filing a rent determination lawsuit?

The following issues are important before filing a lawsuit:

  • Examination of the lease agreement

                      * Researching comparable rental values
                      * Sending a notice of default if necessary
    
                  

These preparations are important for the healthy conduct of the case.

How does the rent determination process progress?

The rent determination process generally consists of the following stages:

  1. A lawsuit is filed in the Civil Court of Peace. 1. Statements of the parties are taken. 1. Comparable rent research is conducted. 1. Expert examination is conducted. 1. The court determines the rent amount.

The court makes a decision by taking into account equity and comparable rental values.

How long does a rent determination lawsuit take?

The duration of the case varies based on the specifics of the concrete case, but results are generally achieved within 6 months to 1 year in practice. Expert examinations can extend the timeframe.

The information on this page is for general awareness. Legal evaluations may vary based on the specifics of each case.

It is important to obtain legal support for a specific evaluation of your rent determination case.

Frequently asked questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RENT DETERMINATION CASE

No. Especially before 5 years, the increase is limited by the CPI.

No, an unlimited increase is not possible. There are legal limitations.

It is determined according to similar properties in the region.

Yes. A tenant claiming that the rent is high can also file a lawsuit.

The information on this page is prepared for general information purposes. Legal evaluations may vary depending on the characteristics of each case. In order to obtain an evaluation specific to your concrete case regarding a rent determination lawsuit, it is important to obtain legal support.

Related Articles

Explore This Topic Further

Rent Adaptation Lawsuit: What is it and How to File?READEviction Lawsuit Due to Written Vacate Commitment: What Is It and How to File?READEviction Lawsuit for Need or Substantial Renovation: What Is It and How to File?READ

Back to Articles