Tenant Rights and Landlord Responsibilities (2025 Updated Guide)

In the real estate sector, relationships between tenants and landlords are governed by specific legal and financial regulations. Knowing tenant rights and understanding landlord responsibilities ensures a fair rental process for both parties. So, what are tenant rights? What are landlords' responsibilities? Here is our updated guide for 2025:

1. What Are Tenant Rights?

📌 Tenants have certain rights under the law, and landlords cannot violate them. Here are the most important tenant rights:

✅ Eviction Protection: A landlord cannot evict a tenant without legal grounds. A court decision is required for eviction.✅ Rent Increase Regulations: Rents are determined based on the CPI (Consumer Price Index) and can be increased annually as stated in the lease agreement.

✅ Deposit Protection: The security deposit cannot exceed three months' rent and must be refunded at the end of the lease term.

✅ Right to Repairs and Maintenance: If major repairs are needed, the tenant can request maintenance from the landlord.

✅ Privacy and Personal Space Protection: The landlord cannot enter the rental property without the tenant’s permission. The tenant’s private life must be respected.

✅ Lease Continuity: A tenant has the right to remain in the property throughout the lease term, as per legal rights.

📌 Example: If a landlord wants to evict a tenant, they must provide at least three months’ written notice with a valid reason.

2. What Are Landlord Responsibilities?

📌 Landlords must act in accordance with legal regulations and ensure the tenant’s quality of life. Here are the main responsibilities:

✅ Providing a Habitable Property: The landlord must deliver the rental property in a livable condition.

✅ Covering Major Repairs and Maintenance Costs: Large structural repairs such as plumbing, electrical systems, and roofing are the landlord’s responsibility.

✅ Complying with the Lease Agreement: The landlord must adhere to the lease terms and cannot make demands that contradict the contract.

✅ Tax and Utility Obligations: Property taxes and title deed fees are the landlord’s responsibility.

✅ Fair Rent Adjustments: Rent increases must be within legal limits and in accordance with official regulations.

📌 Example: If there is a severe water leak, the landlord is obligated to fix it promptly. Otherwise, the tenant can cover the cost and deduct it from the rent.

3. Common Issues Between Tenants and Landlords & Their Solutions

📌 Conflicts between tenants and landlords are common. Here are the most frequent problems and how to solve them:

✔ Disputes Over Rent Increases: Verify whether the rent increase complies with legal limits and seek assistance from relevant authorities.

✔ Deposit Refund Issues: If no damage is found at the end of the lease, the landlord must return the deposit within one month. If not, the tenant can issue a notarized warning and file a lawsuit for unjust enrichment if the deposit is not refunded on time.

✔ Repair and Maintenance Disputes: If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs, the tenant can seek legal action or deduct the cost from the rent.

✔ Unjust Eviction: If a tenant is wrongfully evicted, they can file a lawsuit in court.

📌 Example: If a landlord attempts to evict a tenant unlawfully, the tenant can present the lease agreement in court to protect their rights.

4. Legal Processes for Tenants and Landlords

📌 The following legal steps should be taken in case of disputes:

✅ Mediation Process: As of 2023, mediation is mandatory for tenant-landlord disputes.✅ Debt Collection & Eviction Cases: If the tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord can initiate debt collection procedures.

✅ Rent Determination Lawsuits: If the rent increase exceeds legal limits, the tenant can file a rent determination lawsuit.

📌 Example: If a lease states that the rent increase is based on CPI, the landlord cannot exceed this rate.

5. Best Practices for Tenants and Landlords

✔ Draft a detailed lease agreement and have it notarized or processed through the e-Government portal.

✔ Make all rent payments through bank transfers.

✔ Keep written records of disputes and seek legal assistance when necessary.

✔ Include specific clauses in the contract regarding maintenance and repairs.

✔ Tenants should not sublease the property or allow unauthorized occupants to use it as a registered residence.

📌 Example: Tenants should document all communications with the landlord officially and, if necessary, have the lease notarized.

Conclusion: Protecting Tenant and Landlord Rights

✅ Tenants should carefully read the lease terms and understand their rights.

✅ Landlords must comply with legal procedures and fulfill their obligations.

✅ Both parties should follow legal channels to resolve disputes.

✅ A detailed and transparent lease agreement is essential for protection.

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