Estate

Your full guide to renting an apartment in Istanbul

Finding your new home in Istanbul requires understanding the legal and procedural steps, starting from signing the rental agreement to activating essential utilities such as water, gas, and electricity.

This report provides you with all the details from A to Z.

First: Steps to Search for and Rent an Apartment

  • Search through local real estate websites or licensed agencies (Emlak).

  • Visit the apartment before paying or signing to verify its condition.

  • Negotiate the rental price and security deposit (usually 1–2 months).

  • Sign the rental contract (Kira Sözleşmesi), usually in Turkish, and it is recommended to notarize it at the Noter (public notary).

Second: Required Documents for the Rental Contract

  • Passport (original + copy).

  • Residence permit card (if available).

  • Turkish tax number (Vergi Numarası).

  • Signed rental contract (preferably notarized copy).

  • Title deed (Tapu) from the landlord if requested.

Third: Procedures for Transferring and Activating Utility Meters

1. Water — İSKİ

Required Documents:

  • Passport or residence permit.

  • Rental contract or title deed.

  • Turkish tax number.

  • Water meter number or photo.

Steps:

  • Book an appointment (Randevu) online or by phone.

  • Submit documents at an İSKİ branch.

  • Pay subscription fees or deposit.

  • Activate the meter under the new tenant’s name.

  • Head Office Address: Güzeltepe Mah. Osmanpaşa Cad. No:7, Eyüpsultan, Istanbul

  • Phone: +90 212 321 00 00 — Customer Service: 185

🔹 Note: İSKİ has many branches across Istanbul. To find the nearest branch, please check the official website.

2. Natural Gas — İGDAŞ

Required Documents:

  • Passport or residence permit.

  • Turkish tax number.

  • Notarized rental contract or title deed (Tapu).

  • Gas meter number or photo.

  • Earthquake insurance policy (DASK) if required.

Steps:

  • Request an appointment online or by phone.

  • Submit documents at an İGDAŞ branch.

  • Schedule a technician visit for inspection.

  • Pay subscription fees and activate service.

  • Call Center: 153

🔹 Note: İGDAŞ has many branches throughout Istanbul. You can check the official website to find the nearest one.

3. Electricity — BEDAŞ (European Side) / AYEDAŞ (Asian Side)

Required Documents:

  • Notarized rental contract.

  • Turkish tax number.

  • Residence permit or passport.

  • Electricity meter number and photo.

  • Earthquake insurance policy (DASK).

Steps:

  • Book an appointment through the website or by phone.

  • Submit required documents at the service center.

  • Pay deposit and subscription fees.

  • Activate the meter under the tenant’s name.

  • Official Websites:

  • Customer Service Phone: 186

🔹 Note: BEDAŞ and AYEDAŞ both have multiple branches in Istanbul. You can check their websites to find the closest branch to your location.

Fourth: Important Tips

  • Do not pay any money before signing an official contract.

  • Ensure that the meter is reset or that all previous bills are paid before transferring it under your name.

  • Earthquake insurance (DASK) is mandatory for some utilities, so make sure it is valid.

  • Keep both digital and hard copies of all contracts and receipts.

Fifth: Online Appointment Booking Links

  • Electricity:

 

2025-09-26
Amazing Istanbul

© Amazing Istanbul