What Is an Eviction Undertaking? Validity Conditions and Deadlines

Short answer: An eviction undertaking (tahliye taahhütnamesi) is a document in which the tenant commits in writing to vacate the property on a specific date. To be valid it should, as a rule, be given after the tenancy is established, with a clear date and the tenant's own signature.

Validity conditions

• It must be in writing and, where possible, prepared in the tenant's own handwriting. Signing through a proxy may cause validity problems.
• Timing matters. An undertaking taken on the same day as, or before, the rental contract may be considered invalid. It should be taken after the tenant has actually started using the property.
• The date must be clear and definite. Wording such as "I will leave when asked" or conditional wording can be rejected.
• The date must not be left blank. A document signed undated and filled in later is open to objection.
• If there is no defect of consent (pressure, threat, deception), the tenant is deemed to accept that the undertaking was given later and is valid; whoever claims otherwise must prove it.

What to do after the undertaking

If the tenant does not leave on the promised date, the landlord uses one of two routes within 1 month from the date promised (TBK art. 352/1):

1. Enforcement proceedings without a court judgment: The enforcement office sends an eviction order. If the tenant does not object in time, the proceedings become final.
2. An eviction lawsuit in the civil court of peace: The undertaking is submitted as evidence and the court examines its validity.

If this 1-month period is missed, eviction cannot be requested on the basis of the undertaking.

Frequently asked questions

Must an eviction undertaking be made at a notary?

No; it is not mandatory. Notarisation increases the evidentiary strength regarding the document's date and signature. For details, see our article eviction undertaking at a notary.

Is an undertaking signed together with the rental contract valid?

Such undertakings may be considered invalid. A tenant who claims the undertaking was taken before the contract must prove it.

Can a new owner rely on an old undertaking?

In Court of Cassation decisions there is a practice allowing a new owner to sue on an undertaking taken during the previous owner's time. Get legal advice for your specific case.

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.