Renting a Home in TRNC (2026)

How do you find a rental home?

Finding a rental takes six steps: choose the area, search the listings, view the home, agree the terms, sign the lease and move in.

1. 1
   Area and budgetDecide on the city and the districts. If you are a student, start with the districts near your university.
2. 2
   Searching listingsBrowse listings on Evlek with the city and district filters. Be careful with listings on social media; if you work with an agent, ask whether they are registered.
3. 3
   Viewing the homeView the home in person. Check the electrics, plumbing, air conditioning, internet and noise; if it is furnished, photograph the furniture.
4. 4
   TermsAgree on the rent, the deposit, and who pays the bills and building fees. Put the term, the increase and the notice for moving out in writing.
5. 5
   The leaseSign two copies of the written lease; each side keeps one. Get a written receipt for every payment.
6. 6
   Moving inAgree with the landlord whose name the electricity, water and internet accounts will be in. On move-in day, photograph the home and send the photos to the landlord.

What should the lease say?

The lease should set out the term, the monthly rent and its due date, the rent increase, the deposit, who pays the bills and the terms for leaving early.

• Sign two copies and keep yours.
• If you share with a flatmate, make each person's place in the lease clear; do not sublet without the landlord's consent.
• For a furnished home, attach the inventory to the lease.

Which law protects tenants?

Rent (Control) Law 17/1981 applies only in areas the Council of Ministers has declared a control area, and only after the contract term has ended; there, the court sets the increase. The law sets no general increase rate; put the increase in the contract. In those areas a tenant can be evicted only on a ground the law lists; ask a lawyer about your own case.

How do you spot a fake rental listing?

A listing may be fake if it asks for money before a viewing, talks only by message or offers the home far below the market.

• The price is well below the market.
• The landlord says they are abroad, will post the keys and asks for a deposit.
• Contact is only through WhatsApp or social media; there is no phone number that answers.
• A reverse image search finds the photos on other listings.
• You are pushed to sign a lease described as "simple, standard" without reading it.
• The landlord will not show the title deed.
• Payment is requested to a bank account abroad.

What do you spend each month besides the rent?

Monthly costs besides the rent are bills, building fees, transport and groceries. Electricity, water and internet are usually not included in the rent.

Frequently asked questions