[Diary of an Expat Bride] The renting game

Needs vs. wants

Before starting our search, we took a moment to write down what we wanted and what we needed. So many properties are up for rent in İstanbul that finding a place is relatively easy. But, finding the perfect place was something different. Can and I were not in a rush and could take our time scoping out different areas. On our needs list, we determined that we needed a three or four bedroom flat. In Turkish ads, a place like this is advertised as “3+1” or “4+1,” the “1” denoting a living room or salon. We also needed a place that would cost us a maximum of TL 1,500 including the aidat (monthly fees). High on our needs list was a flat that needed as little work as possible. Many places for rent feature bathrooms not fully completed or rooms without built-in storage. While the rental price might be cheaper, I couldn’t justify remodeling a bathroom on a house we didn’t own. It seemed a wasted investment to me. Location was also important, as we needed a place that was not too far from the airport but not too far from the city either.

Our “wants” list was within reason, but the points were negotiable. We wanted a flat in a “site,” a guarded community. After living in a site for the past three years, I liked the 24-hour security and other benefits a site offered. Nice paths for walking, gardens, swimming pools and exercise facilities are common features of sites. The only drawback is that unless you have a car and can drive, living in one of these communities on the outskirts of town can be a headache. Public transportation to the city can be long, if existent at all. I can drive and got used to living away from the hustle and bustle of city life, so this wasn’t a problem for us. Can and I also wanted a place with more greenery and a better view. Our tight budget basically assured us that we would not be able to find a decent place with a coveted Bosporus view, but we wanted at least to look out of our window and see something green and natural if possible. After dealing with noisy upstairs neighbors in almost every place I have lived in since coming to Turkey,  I wanted as quiet of an environment as possible.

We first started our search over the Internet, using popular Web sites such as www.sahibinden.com and www.hurriyetemlak.com. These are great sites that let you get an idea of prices in each district of İstanbul. We could specify our search by price and area, or do a general search to see what was out there. We had already narrowed our search down to Çekmeköy, an up-and-coming area not far from the second bridge. Both of the Web sites listed above were originally started to help people rent their properties without the help of an emlakçı, or real estate agent. However, it is important to note that most properties advertised on both Web sites are put there and administered by real estate agents rather than the owners of the property. For those looking to rent, renting through an emlakçı can be time and trouble saving, especially for an expat. Emlakçı fees vary, but are regulated rather strictly, so you should be treated fairly. For a rental within our price range of TL 1,500, our emlak fees were TL 1,100. Going through an emlak also protects you, the renter, significantly -- especially expats who may be unfamiliar with their rights as a renter under Turkish law. The emlakçı does all of the paperwork for you and has everything notarized and certified. Usually, an emlak will also not take on a property owned by someone who is problematic. I have found that I have had little to no dealings with my landlords when I have rented through an emlak, verses my friends who have rented directly from the owner and have had some very bad landlord experiences.

Between the lines

Can and I did find a flat we absolutely fell in love with that matched both our wants and needs lists. The emlak then became the mediator as we negotiated with the landlady about price. This is Turkey after all, and everyone loves a good bargaining session, my husband included. Before we started, I had some questions of my own that I think are crucial for everyone to ask if they are looking into a long-term rental. First, find out about your landlord/landlady. Ask politely if they have any children. This might seem odd, but is a very important question. If your landlord or landlady has a child who is within marrying age, be prepared that you might be asked to vacate the property within a year or two if that child marries and they decide to give the house to the newlyweds. This might seem strange, but is a problem that many of my friends have faced. With a new baby on the way, I did not want to have to move again in the near future. After everyone haggled out a final price, I refused to accept or sign anything until I got a notarized letter from my landlady stating that she would not make us vacate the property within three years unless we violated the terms of the contract. Our contract was up for renewal yearly, and we could leave the property anytime as long as we gave her at least two months’ notice. She, however, could not kick us out for three years if we were good renters. I also insisted on the contract stating the maximum percentage rent would increase per year. We haggled that out, and it was also added.

      To sign the papers, we met over tea at the emlakçı office, where we were able to freely ask questions. She had some extra points in the contract, şartlar, which were important to be aware of so we could get our security deposit back when we vacated. Security deposits usually vary between an extra one to two months’ rent, refundable upon moving. Afte the papers were signed, we were ready to move within a few days. By taking your time and playing it smart, it can be easy to find the perfect rental and new place to call “home.”