Officially: Rent Increase Rate in Turkey Feb 2026 - Complete Calculation Guide

With the entry of February 2026, the same "annoying" question repeats for every tenant and landlord in Turkey: How much is the legal increase when renewing the lease contract? In this updated guide from Skyline Holding, we give you the official rate for February 2026, the method to calculate the new rent step-by-step, and when an increase becomes "illegal" even if you are told it is the "market price."

Rent Increase Rate in Turkey for February 2026: How much is it officially?

According to the standard rule in Turkey for renewing lease contracts, the increase ceiling is calculated based on the 12-month average of the Consumer Price Index (TÜFE) issued by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK).

The official rent increase rate for February 2026 is: 33.98%

Important information for comparison: This rate is lower than the ceiling for January 2026, which was 34.88%, meaning the general trend still leans towards a gradual decline.

Quick Alert: The 33.98% rate is the highest legal ceiling for lease contracts renewed during February 2026. A lower rate can be agreed upon, but exceeding it often opens the door to a dispute (especially if there is no correct legal path).

When exactly is the 33.98% applied? (The Date Rule that Settles the Dispute)

The biggest cause of problems is not the "rate," but the timing. The rule that settles the debate:

• The Correct Standard: The contract renewal date written in the lease agreement (not the inflation announcement date).
• If the renewal date falls on any day in February 2026 → The ceiling is 33.98%.
• If the renewal was in January 2026 → The January rate of 34.88% is used.

How to Calculate Rent Increase in February 2026 (Clear Formula + Ready Examples)

Convert the percentage to a decimal number: 33.98% = 0.3398, then use the following formula:

Mathematical Formula: New Rent = Current Rent + (Current Rent × 0.3398)

Quick Examples:

• If the current rent is 20,000 TL → New Rent ≈ 26,796 TL
• If the current rent is 30,000 TL → New Rent ≈ 40,194 TL
• If the current rent is 40,000 TL → New Rent ≈ 53,592 TL

And if you are calculating the "Annual Yield" and its impact on your expenses/investment in 2026, this article will be very useful to you: Real Estate Taxes in Turkey 2026: Investor Guide to New Valuation Increases.

Does the 33.98% rate include apartments, offices, and shops?

In common practice, the same standard of the 12-month TÜFE average is used as a reference for the increase ceiling when renewing the lease, whether the property is residential or commercial, unless there is a different legal mechanism in your contract within the limits of applicable regulations.

Is the "25% Cap" still there? And why do people still mention it?

Many tenants (especially foreigners) still confuse the "25% cap" phase with the current rule. The summary:

1. The 25% cap was a temporary measure and has ceased to be in effect.
2. The current rule upon renewal: The maximum limit is linked to the 12-month TÜFE average (which is 33.98% for February 2026).
3. In some cases, after 5 years of the tenancy relationship, the landlord may resort to a legal path to determine a "fair rental value" by court standards, not the "market price" as is said verbally.

If the landlord requests an increase higher than 33.98%: What do you do?

Instead of a long argument on the phone, follow calm steps that preserve your right and reduce escalation:

• Ask for the request in writing: WhatsApp/Email/Paper stating the new rent and the increase percentage.
• Check the renewal date and the age of the contract (especially if it is close to 5 years or more).
• Write a brief reply: "I adhere to the legal ceiling for my renewal month in February 2026, which is 33.98%."
• If the dispute escalates: Remember that many rent disputes now start with settlement/mediation steps before reaching the court, depending on the type of lawsuit.

Market Reading: What does the drop to 33.98% mean for investors?

The drop in the ceiling (even if slight) gives two important signals to the investor:

• Gradual Stability: As the increase ceiling decreases, unexpected "jumps" decrease, and planning becomes easier.
• Property Quality is more important than the increase figure: Location, tenant type, and property management have come to play a bigger role than "waiting for next month's rate."
• Monthly Yield becomes the real game: Not just the annual increase, but the ability to maintain a committed tenant and steady cash flow.

If your goal is to build a stable monthly income from Turkey real estate (not just an "annual increase"), read Your Complete Guide to Earning a Steady Monthly Income from Turkey Real Estate.

Additional advice for tenants: Beware of fake ads (especially at rent hike time)

During periods of contract renewals and rent hikes, many tenants start looking for alternatives quickly, and here the problem of unreliable ads appears. Therefore, you might be interested in checking the Electronic Advertisement Verification System in Turkey: Electronic Advertisement Verification System (EİDS): What Does It Mean for Landlords and Tenants?.

FAQs about Rent Increase in February 2026

Does 33.98% apply to my contract if my signature was in January but the renewal is in February?

The criteria is not the original signing date, but the annual renewal date written in the contract. If the renewal falls in February 2026, the ceiling is 33.98%.

Does the landlord have the right to increase the rent twice a year?

Usually, the "standard" increase is once at the annual renewal. Any additional increase outside of that requires a clear contractual basis or a special legal path.

If I agreed verbally to a higher increase... am I forced to stick to it later?

Verbal agreements are the fastest way to problems. It is best to document any amendment in a clear written addendum, and the safest is to adhere to the legal ceiling to reduce risks.

Where did the 33.98% figure come from?

It results from the 12-month average of the Consumer Price Index (TÜFE) as announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). You can review the official bulletin directly from the TÜİK website here: TÜİK – Consumer Price Index (January 2026).

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Note: This content is for general awareness and is not considered legal advice. If you have an old contract (especially 5 years or more) or a complex dispute, consulting a local specialist in Turkey may save you time and costs.