September 2026 Rent Increase Cap Announced: Legal Limit Set at 31.79%

September 2026 Rent Increase Cap Announced: Legal Limit Set at 31.79%

According to data released by Turkey's Statistical Institute (TÜİK) on September 3, 2026, the legal cap that applies to residential and commercial lease renewals in September has been determined. This rate closely affects tenants and landlords whose lease term renews in September, impacting millions of rental agreements.

How Is the Rent Increase Cap Determined?

Under Article 344 of Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098, for residential and roofed commercial leases, the increase rate applicable in a renewed lease period cannot exceed the rate of change based on the twelve-month average of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the previous lease year. The parties may agree on an increase below this rate, but any contractual provision providing for an increase above it is invalid.

What Is the Rate for September 2026?

Based on TÜİK's August 2026 inflation data, the twelve-month average change in the CPI was announced as 31.79%. This shows a slight decrease compared to the 31.90% that applied for August. Accordingly, for leases renewed in September, landlords can request a rent increase of at most 31.79% from their tenants.

What Does This Mean for Tenants and Landlords?

Rent increase demands above this rate are legally invalid even if the tenant has accepted them; any amount overpaid can be reclaimed under the rules of unjust enrichment. In addition, for lease agreements that have been in effect for more than five years, or that are renewed at the end of the fifth year, either party can apply to the court for a rent determination based on the market rate — in which case the CPI cap does not apply, and the market rate set by the judge governs instead.

Source: Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), August 2026 Consumer Price Index data (September 3, 2026); Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098, Art. 344.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend consulting a lawyer regarding your specific situation involving rent increases, rent determination, or eviction proceedings.