Renting out a flat in Istanbul: a preparation checklist

01

Record the flat’s current condition first

Inspect a vacant flat room by room. Keep close-ups of existing defects alongside wider photographs. Organising them by date and room makes the same detail easier to find when briefing a contractor or checking the handover. If the flat is tenanted, coordinate any visit and photography with the current tenant in advance.

If you are abroad, request a live video walk-through as well as listing photographs. Look at everyday details such as windows opening, taps and lighting. Do not assume a system is safe or compliant from a photograph; arrange the necessary technical checks with a qualified person.

02

Separate essential work from appearance choices

Replace a single ‘painting and maintenance’ line with a list of jobs, locations and completion criteria. Investigating faulty plumbing and changing a wall colour may have different priorities. Identify issues affecting use and signs that need specialist attention before planning cleaning and presentation.

• —Water marks, damp or odours: have the cause investigated before painting over them.
• —Doors, windows, cupboards and locks: list parts that do not work.
• —Electricity, water, heating and appliances: schedule necessary servicing and checks.
• —Cleaning: arrange it after the work and before photography.
• —Keep the quote, approval, completion record and any invoice together for each job.

03

Create an itemised inventory for furnished lets

‘Fully furnished’ does not describe what is handed over. Record the item name, quantity, condition and photograph reference room by room. Include appliance models and available instructions and warranty documents. Remove valuable personal belongings before photography and handover.

04

Build the listing from verifiable details

Check the room layout, floor, lift, heating, furnishing and building dues. Verify floor area against its source and distinguish net from gross area. When describing transport and the neighbourhood, avoid unmeasured walking times or promises of a particular rental return.

Do not set an asking rent solely by choosing the highest comparable listing. Consider location, building, furnishings and condition together. An advertised asking rent is not evidence of an achieved rent. Photographs should show the flat as it is; planned improvements should not be presented as completed work.

05

Arrange the handover before opening the listing

Who will conduct viewings, hold the keys and answer applicants’ questions? Decide who will prepare the lease, inventory and handover record once a tenant is found. Check the legal rules for deposits and leases in the separate tenancy guide and with your adviser where needed.

At the final inspection, record completed work, outstanding items, meter readings and keys together. Keep the documents in one place so owner and tenant can refer to the same file. If a manager is taking over, this record gives them a clear starting point.