If your lease agreement is renewed in October, the figure is clear: the October 2026 rent increase rate is 31.49%. This rate is the 12-month average change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) resulting from the September 2026 inflation data published by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), and it constitutes the legal ceiling for rent increases in residential and commercial leases.
So how is this rate calculated, which agreements does it apply to, and can a landlord request more than this amount? In this guide, we explain what both landlords and tenants need to know, with practical examples.
Why is the October 2026 rent increase rate 31.49%?
According to Article 344 of the Turkish Code of Obligations, rent increases for renewed lease periods may not exceed the 12-month average rate of change in the CPI for the previous rental year.
The temporary 25% cap introduced in 2022 expired on 1 July 2024. Therefore, the 12-month CPI average is now the applicable legal ceiling.
As of September 2026, the figures are:
- Monthly inflation (September 2026): 1.84%
- Annual inflation (September 2026): 29.73%
- 12-month average (rent increase rate): 31.49%
As you can see, the rent increase rate is higher than annual inflation. This is because the 12-month average also includes the higher inflation rates recorded in previous months. If inflation continues to decline, this gap is expected to narrow and rent increase rates may gradually decrease in the coming months.
Which lease agreements does it apply to?
The 31.49% rate applies to lease agreements whose rental period expires and is renewed in October 2026.
For example, a lease that began on 15 October 2025 and is renewed on 15 October 2026 may use this rate as the maximum increase.
The same rule applies to both residential properties and roofed commercial premises.
In practice, the rent increase rate for each month becomes clear once the inflation data published at the beginning of that month is announced. The rate for agreements renewed in November will therefore be determined when October inflation data is announced during the first working days of November.
How is the rent increase calculated? Example table
The calculation is simple: multiply the existing rent by 1.3149 to determine the maximum legally applicable new rent.
Formula: New Rent = Existing Rent × (1 + 0.3149)
| Existing Rent | Maximum Increase | Maximum New Rent |
|---|---|---|
| TRY 15,000 | TRY 4,724 | TRY 19,724 |
| TRY 20,000 | TRY 6,298 | TRY 26,298 |
| TRY 25,000 | TRY 7,873 | TRY 32,873 |
| TRY 30,000 | TRY 9,447 | TRY 39,447 |
| TRY 40,000 | TRY 12,596 | TRY 52,596 |
| TRY 60,000 | TRY 18,894 | TRY 78,894 |
This rate is a ceiling, not a mandatory increase. The parties may agree on a lower increase. If the lease agreement provides for a lower percentage or a fixed amount, the contractual provision applies.
Can the landlord request more than 31.49%?
No. Even if the lease agreement contains a higher rate, the increase for the renewed period cannot exceed the statutory limit.
However, the law provides two important exceptions:
- Rent determination after 5 years: In lease relationships that have continued for five years, the landlord may file a rent determination lawsuit and request that the rent be adjusted to an equitable level based on comparable market rents. The court takes into account the rent of similar properties in the area and the characteristics of the leased property.
- New tenant: If the property becomes vacant and a new lease is signed with a new tenant, the rent may be freely determined. The statutory ceiling applies only to the renewal of an existing lease.
The landlord cannot unilaterally evict the tenant simply because the lease period has ended. In residential leases, unless the tenant gives notice, the agreement is generally extended for one year under the same conditions. The landlord’s right to terminate without cause only arises after the end of the 10-year extension period.
What should be considered in Antalya when increasing rent?
Antalya’s rental housing market has a different dynamic from many other cities due to tourism seasonality, foreign demand, and new housing supply.
In central districts such as Konyaaltı, Lara, and Muratpaşa, there may be significant differences between rents paid by new tenants for vacant properties and the rents reached by existing tenants through statutory annual increases. This is particularly why rent determination lawsuits may become relevant in leases that have passed the five-year mark.
October is also an important decision period for landlords with long-term tenants. As new tourism-purpose rental rules are expected to enter into force in 2027, some property owners are recalculating the balance between short-term and long-term rental models.
The regular income, lower operating costs, and absence of off-season vacancy risk associated with long-term rentals can be significant advantages in this comparison.
How should tenants respond to a rent increase request?
When you receive a rent increase request from your landlord, first check three things:
- the renewal date of your lease,
- whether the requested rate exceeds the statutory limit announced for that month,
- whether your lease contains a specific rent increase clause.
If the requested rate is below the legal limit, agreeing may help maintain a stable long-term relationship. If it exceeds the limit, it is generally sufficient to explain politely and in writing why the requested amount cannot legally exceed the statutory ceiling.
If the lease relationship is approaching five years, you should also take into account that the landlord may become entitled to file a rent determination lawsuit. In such cases, reaching a reasonable agreement closer to market conditions can often be more practical than dealing with the uncertainty and cost of litigation.
5 practical recommendations for landlords and tenants
- Notify the increase in writing. Communicating the rent increase request before the renewal date in writing — by email, WhatsApp record, or notarial notice — can help prevent future disputes.
- Pay rent through the bank. Paying rent through a bank or PTT account, with the relevant rental period clearly stated in the payment description, helps both with tax compliance and proof of payment.
- Use the correct month’s rate. Use the rate applicable to the month in which the agreement is renewed, not the month in which it originally began.
- Update the agreement. Prepare a short addendum showing the new rent and the date from which it becomes effective. Lease agreements can now also be prepared through e-Devlet.
- Declare rental income. Landlords whose annual rental income exceeds the applicable exemption threshold are required to file a tax return in March. The exemption amount is updated each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the October 2026 rent increase rate?
The legal maximum rent increase for residential and roofed commercial leases renewed in October 2026 is 31.49%.
Is the rent increase rate the same as annual inflation?
No. Annual inflation of 29.73% is not used for rent increases. The relevant figure is the 12-month average CPI change of 31.49%.
What happens if the tenant does not accept the increase?
The landlord may send a formal notice regarding an increase that does not exceed the legal ceiling and may, where appropriate, file a rent determination action. Requests exceeding the legal limit are not valid merely because they are demanded.
Does the same rate apply to commercial premises?
Yes. For roofed commercial leases, the increase for the renewed period may not exceed the 12-month CPI average.
When will the November rent increase rate be announced?
The October 2026 inflation data will be announced in the first working days of November, and the rate for lease agreements renewed in November will become clear on the same day.
Conclusion
For leases renewed in October 2026, the legal ceiling is 31.49%. If the downward trend in inflation continues, the rent increase rate is expected to decline gradually in the coming months.
For landlords, correct timing and written documentation are essential. For tenants, knowing the legal ceiling is one of the foundations of a healthy rental relationship.
If you would like support in determining the correct rental value for your property in Antalya, selecting tenants, or planning a long-term rental investment, you can contact Grand Emlak consultants.
This article is based on official inflation data published as of 13 October 2026 and is intended for general information purposes only. For legal disputes, we recommend obtaining advice from a qualified lawyer.
