Short-Term (Airbnb-Style) Rentals in Fethiye: The Legal Framework
September 23, 2026 · Real Estate Law · 5 min read · Author: Attorney Aysel Atlı
Short-term rental in Fethiye is legal only under specific conditions: since regulation introduced in 2024, letting a residential unit on a daily or weekly basis for tourism purposes generally requires both an administrative permit and, in apartment buildings, the unanimous consent of the other unit owners. Because Fethiye is a major tourism destination, property owners in the region encounter these requirements regularly, and operating without them carries real legal risk.
- 01Permit Application
An application is filed with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism or the relevant local authority.
- 02Condominium-Owners' Consent
In apartment buildings, unanimous consent from the other unit owners is generally required.
- 03Permit Issuance
If the conditions are met, the permit is issued.
- 04Start of Operation
Short-term rental activity may begin once the permit has been obtained.
How Does the Legal Framework for Short-Term Rentals in Fethiye Work?
In short: if a unit sits within an apartment building or a housing complex subject to condominium ownership rules, offering it as a short-term rental generally requires both an administrative permit and the unanimous consent of every other unit owner in the building. The sections below cover each of these requirements in more detail.
When Is a Permit Required?
Letting apartment units on a short-term, tourism-oriented basis generally requires a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, or the authority designated to issue it. Standalone houses and independent villas can be treated differently under this requirement, so it is important to confirm the current rules that apply to the specific type of property involved.
Why Is Condominium-Owners' Consent Required?
Because a unit being let repeatedly to short-term, frequently changing guests can affect the peace and security of the other residents in a building, the law requires unanimous consent from every unit owner in the building before this kind of letting can proceed. Without this consent, an owner can face both administrative sanctions and a complaint from other unit owners that leads to the activity being halted.
Consequences of Operating Without a Permit
Short-term rental activity carried out without the required permit can be subject to administrative fines and an order to stop the activity. Unit owners can also pursue legal remedies against unpermitted short-term rental activity under condominium ownership law.
How This Differs From Tenant–Landlord Disputes
The permit process concerns the administrative side of short-term rental; disputes between a guest and a host over matters like deposits, damage, or cancellation policies are a separate legal question altogether, generally governed by the underlying rental agreement and general contract law principles.
Additional Considerations for Foreign Property Owners
Foreign nationals who own property in Fethiye and are considering short-term rental should assess both the general conditions for property acquisition by foreigners and the specific permit and consent requirements for short-term rentals together, before listing a property. For general background on property acquisition by foreign nationals, see our practice area page on Real Estate Law.
Could the Building's Management Plan Restrict This Further?
Some building or complex management plans (yönetim planı) contain provisions that restrict, or even fully prohibit, short-term rental activity beyond the statutory minimum conditions. Reviewing the management plan carefully before purchasing a property intended for this purpose, or before beginning to rent it out, is an important step that helps prevent disputes later and should not be skipped.
Local Context
Fethiye's high level of tourism activity has made short-term rental a common income model for property owners in the region. That level of activity makes it especially important to manage both the administrative permit process and relationships among unit owners correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a standalone villa also require condominium-owners' consent?
Independent buildings that are not subject to condominium ownership are treated differently for this purpose; this needs to be assessed based on the specific type of property involved.
Is someone operating without a permit penalized immediately?
The administrative enforcement process generally begins upon detection by the relevant authority or following a complaint; it does not mean an automatic and immediate penalty in every case, but the risk is real.
What happens if one unit owner refuses to consent?
If the unanimous consent required by law cannot be obtained, the permit application remains incomplete on that point, and the short-term rental activity may not be considered lawful in that condition.
Is there a separate tax obligation for short-term rental income?
Yes; income from this kind of rental is subject to the general tax rules, and it needs to be declared.
Is the permit valid indefinitely?
The validity period and renewal conditions for the permit can vary depending on the applicable administrative regulation, so it is advisable to confirm the current requirements.
Does listing on a foreign platform like Airbnb require a separate permit?
No — listing on a platform does not remove the obligation to obtain the administrative permit; the permit process must be completed independently of any platform listing.
What happens if I buy a property that does not have a permit?
A new owner who wants to continue short-term rental generally needs to secure the permit and condominium-owners' consent again in their own name; the previous owner's permit may not automatically transfer.
Is separate insurance needed for short-term rental activity?
It is not mandatory, but taking out additional insurance against guest-related damage or accident risk is a practical and often recommended precaution to protect the owner's interests.
Please contact us via our contact page with questions on this topic, or visit our Real Estate Law page for more on our services in this area.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice; you should consult a lawyer about the specific facts of your situation.
The content above is for general information; for advice tailored to your situation, get in touch with us.