Aidat (monthly dues) in Turkey: what property owners must know

Monthly fees for shared property expenses in Turkey.

Aidat refers to the mandatory monthly or annual fees paid by property owners in Turkey for the upkeep of shared areas in residential complexes, apartments, or gated communities. These fees cover maintenance, cleaning, security, and repairs of communal spaces like gardens, elevators, swimming pools, and hallways.

The amount is determined by the property management (site yönetimi) or homeowners' association (kat Malikleri kurulu) and is typically based on the size of your property or an equal share among all owners. Non-payment can lead to legal consequences, including service restrictions or fines.

Based on property size or equal shares among owners.

Aidat in Turkey is usually calculated equally between all units in the complex. The method can vary and depends on the decision of the homeowners' association or property management.

Legal action, service cuts, or fines may apply.

Failing to pay aidat in Turkey can result in penalties. The property management or homeowners' association may first issue warnings. If unpaid, they can restrict access to shared services (e.g., water, elevators, or security) or file a lawsuit to recover debts.

In extreme cases, non-payment can lead to a lien on your property, preventing sales or transfers until debts are settled. Courts may also order wage garnishment or asset seizure. Foreign owners are not exempt—Turkish law applies equally to all property holders.

Yes, typically adjusted annually for inflation or costs.

Aidat fees in Turkey are not fixed permanently. They can increase, usually once a year, to account for rising maintenance costs, inflation, or new services (e.g., upgraded security or landscaping). The homeowners' association or property management must notify owners of changes in advance.

Foreign owners have the same voting rights as locals. If you disagree with a hike, you can challenge it in the association’s general assembly or through legal channels.

No, aidat is not tax-deductible for personal properties.

Aidat fees in Turkey are not tax-deductible for individual property owners. They are considered personal living expenses, similar to utility bills. However, if you rent out your property, aidat can sometimes be claimed as a business expense against rental income, reducing taxable profit.

For commercial properties (e.g., offices or shops), aidat may be deductible as an operational cost. Always consult a Turkish accountant or tax advisor to confirm eligibility based on your specific situation.

Property management (site yönetimi) or homeowners’ board.

Aidat collections in Turkey are typically managed by the site yönetimi (property management company) or the kat malikleri kurulu (homeowners’ association board). The board is elected by property owners and oversees fee distribution, maintenance contracts, and financial transparency.

In larger complexes, a professional management company may handle collections, accounting, and disputes. Owners can request annual financial reports to review how aidat funds are spent. Foreign owners have the same access to these reports as Turkish citizens.

Most shared complexes do; standalone homes usually don’t.

Aidat fees apply primarily to properties within shared residential complexes, such as apartments, gated communities (siteler), or duplexes with communal areas. Standalone houses (müstakil ev) or villas without shared facilities typically do not have aidat.

Even in complexes, some older buildings or small co-ops may not enforce aidat if owners handle maintenance informally. However, most modern developments—especially those with amenities like pools or gyms—require aidat payments by law.

Bank transfer, online, or via property management.

Foreign property owners in Turkey can pay aidat through several methods:

1. Bank transfer (local or international) to the property management’s account. 2. Online payments via the management’s portal (if available). 3. Automatic deductions from a Turkish bank account. 4. In-person at the management office or designated banks.

Always keep receipts as proof. Late payments may incur interest.