Rent Increase Rate in Turkey for January 2026

With the first month of 2026, the key question returns for millions of tenants and landlords in Turkey: what is the legal rent increase when renewing the contract? In this quick guide from Skyline Real Estate, we put in your hands the official rent increase rate for January 2026, how it is applied in practice to your lease, and when an increase becomes “illegal” even if the landlord tells you it’s “market price”.

What is the official rent increase rate for January 2026 in Turkey?

Based on the inflation data announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) for the last month of 2025, the cap for rent increases on contracts renewed in January 2026 is determined according to the 12-month average of TÜFE.

The official rent increase rate for January 2026 is: 34.88%

This percentage shows a slight decrease compared to the December 2025 cap, which was 35.91% (meaning the overall trend is still gradually declining).

Important note: 34.88% is the “maximum legal cap” for annual renewals during January 2026. You can agree on a lower rate, but exceeding it in most cases opens the door to a legal dispute.

When exactly does the 34.88% rate apply?

The question that causes most disputes is: “Is it calculated based on the announcement date or the contract renewal date?”.

• The correct standard is the lease renewal date written in the contract, not the inflation announcement date.
• If the renewal date falls on any day in January 2026 → the cap is 34.88%.
• If the renewal is in December 2025 → the December rate of 35.91% applies.

How to calculate the new rent increase (Formula + ready examples)

To avoid mistakes, use this straightforward formula (we convert the percentage to a decimal: 34.88% = 0.3488):

The calculation formula: New rent = Current rent + (Current rent × 0.3488)

Quick examples (rounded approximately to the nearest lira):

• If the current rent is 15,000 TL → the new rent ≈ 20,232 TL
• If the current rent is 20,000 TL → the new rent ≈ 26,976 TL
• If the current rent is 30,000 TL → the new rent ≈ 40,464 TL

And to plan your full investment budget for 2026, it may also help to review: Turkey Real Estate Taxes 2026: Investor Guide to the New Valuation Increases.

Is the “25% cap” on rent increases still in place?

Many tenants—especially foreigners—still confuse the old system with the temporary 25% cap that was in effect for a limited period.

1. The 25% cap was temporary and is no longer in effect.
2. The current renewal rule: the maximum depends on the 12-month average TÜFE (which is 34.88% for January 2026).
3. When can a landlord claim more than the cap? Typically, once the lease relationship reaches 5 years, the landlord may pursue court procedures to determine a new rent based on judicial criteria—not “market price” alone.

What if the landlord asks for an increase higher than 34.88%?

If you face a request above the cap, don’t get into a long argument—follow these steps calmly:

• Ask for it in writing: a WhatsApp message, email, or paper stating the new amount and the percentage increase.
• Check the contract age: has the rental relationship passed 5 years? This changes the “legal options” available to the landlord.
• Give a short, practical reply: “I am committed to the legal cap for my renewal month in January 2026, which is 34.88%.”
• If the dispute escalates: in many rent disputes, mediation (Arabuluculuk) has become a required step before filing a lawsuit in several types of rental cases—meaning the process often starts with an official settlement attempt before court.

A market view for investors: what does the cap dropping to 34.88% mean?

From an investment perspective, the lower cap compared to early 2025 (when rates exceeded 50% in some months) carries an important meaning: more stability and calmer expectations.

• Lower default risk: the more “reasonable” the increase is, the higher the tenant’s ability to keep paying.
• A stronger balance between rent and market price: the wide gap between the legal cap and actual prices caused many disputes; a gradual decline may reduce the intensity in some areas.
• The focus shifts from “rent jumps” to asset quality: location, property management, and tenant profile matter more than simply waiting for next month’s rate.

If you’re targeting stable monthly income (not just an annual increase), review: Your Complete Guide to Earning Stable Monthly Income from Turkey Real Estate.

Frequently Asked Questions about the January 2026 rent increase

Does the 34.88% rate apply to commercial rents (shops and offices)?

Yes, the same 12-month average TÜFE rule is used as the renewal cap, unless the contract specifies a different mechanism within legal limits.

Can the landlord increase the rent twice a year?

Usually no. The renewal-linked increase is typically once per year on the contract renewal date. Any additional change outside that requires a clear contractual basis or a special legal route.

If I verbally agreed to a higher increase, am I bound by it?

Verbal agreements often create major problems later. It’s always best to document any change in a clear written addendum, and the safest approach is to stick to the legal cap to avoid surprises.

---

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