How to draw up a tenancy agreement in Northern Cyprus (TRNC)?

In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the residential letting process can be secure and smooth for both tenant and landlord when handled correctly. However, an incomplete contract, failure to keep payment records, or neglecting tax office procedures can create legal risks later on.

In this guide, we cover the entire process in TRNC—from drafting the tenancy agreement to making it officially valid—within a clear yet professional framework.

✍️ How Do You Prepare a Tenancy Agreement?

The first step is to prepare a written tenancy agreement. Verbal arrangements are weak in terms of legal proof; therefore, a written and signed document should always be issued.

📎 [Download a Sample Tenancy Agreement]

The agreement:

May be prepared in Turkish or bilingually (Turkish–English)
Must include the parties’ clear identification details
Must clearly state the start and end dates of the tenancy
Must be signed on every page by both parties

Using a sample tenancy agreement during the preparation stage minimises the risk of errors and speeds up the process.

📋 Key Elements That Must Be Included in a Tenancy Agreement

A professional tenancy agreement should обязательно include the following headings:

1️⃣ Inventory List

All items in the rented property—appliances, air conditioning units, furniture, and fixed fittings—should be listed in detail.

This list:

Provides a reference point when assessing potential damage
Reduces the risk of disputes over the deposit refund
Ensures transparency between the parties

2️⃣ Rent Amount and Payment Schedule

Monthly rent
Payment date
Payment method (bank transfer, cash, etc.)
Increase terms

These should be written clearly and unambiguously. Uncertainty can pave the way for legal disputes later.

3️⃣ Deposit Terms

Deposit amount
Refund conditions
In which cases deductions may be made

This must be stated explicitly in the agreement.

💸 How Should Rent Payments Be Made?

The safest method is to send the rent to the landlord’s bank account with a clear payment reference.

For example: “May 2026 Rent Payment – Flat No: 5”

If payment is made in cash:

You should obtain a signed and dated receipt from the landlord.

These documents are the tenant’s legal safeguard in the event of a dispute.

🏠 Can the Landlord Evict the Tenant Before the Contract Term Ends?

No.

For the duration stated in the tenancy agreement, the property is under the tenant’s lawful use. As long as the tenant pays the rent regularly, the landlord cannot unilaterally demand eviction before the contract term expires.

This is one of the fundamental protective principles of tenancy law.

🧾 How Does a Tenancy Agreement Become Official?

In the TRNC, for a tenancy agreement to gain official validity, a stamp duty procedure must be completed at the tax office.

During the application, the following documents are typically requested:

Three copies of the signed tenancy agreement
Passport photocopies of the tenant and the landlord
Site plan of the property
Photocopy of the title deed
Tax stamps (obtained from the tax office)

Agreements without the stamp duty procedure may not be accepted for official matters (for example, residence permit applications).

🔐 How Does the Deposit Refund Process Work?

In TRNC practice, typically:

For long-term lets: 1–2 months’ rent
For short-term lets: approximately £100–£200

A deposit is requested.

Refund Process:

At the end of the tenancy, the property is inspected together with the landlord.
Any potential damages are recorded in a written report.
Electricity and water bills are checked.
If there is no damage or outstanding debt, the deposit is refunded.

A transparent inspection process helps preserve trust between the parties.