What to Do If Rent Is Not Paid: the 30-Day Warning and Enforcement Route

Short answer: If a tenant does not pay rent, a written warning first gives them time to pay. For homes and roofed workplaces this period is at least 30 days (TBK art. 315). If payment is not made within the period, the contract can be terminated; eviction is then requested through enforcement proceedings or the court.

Step by step

1. Document the delay. Bank receipts and messages are evidence of the existence and amount of the debt.
2. Send a written warning. The warning must state the amount owed, the period given for payment (at least 30 days) and that the contract will be terminated when the period ends. A notarised warning is the most solid route.
3. Termination when the period ends. If payment is not made, the contract is terminated.
4. Enforcement or lawsuit. There are two options:

• Enforcement proceedings without a court judgment for the rent claim and eviction (Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law art. 269 et seq.). A payment order is served on the tenant; if the tenant does not object within the legal period, the proceedings become final.
• An eviction lawsuit. It is filed in the civil court of peace.

Things to watch

• Defective warning: If a period shorter than 30 days is given, the warning may be considered invalid.
• Wrong amount: If the amount in the warning does not match the actual debt, it becomes a subject of objection.
• Security: A deposit cannot be used automatically in place of unpaid rent; an agreement with the tenant or a legal process is needed. For details, see our article rental deposit.

Frequently asked questions

If one month's rent is unpaid, can I evict right away?

No. A warning and the 30-day period come first. Termination before the period expires is not valid.

What if the tenant pays late twice?

If two justified warnings were sent within one rental year, a lawsuit can be filed at the end of the term (TBK art. 352/2). For details, see our article how to evict a tenant.

Can the guarantor be pursued?

If the guarantor signed the contract and the guarantee is valid, they are liable for the rent debt. For the guarantee limit and formal requirements, get legal advice.

Sources: mevzuat.gov.tr · adalet.gov.tr

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice; legislation and practice may change. Compiled as of October 2026. For your specific case, contact us or consult a lawyer.