LANDLORD & TENANCY LAWS IN NORTH CYPRUS

​The TRNC Rental Market is regulated by the Rent Control Law 1983. This Law, however, does not apply to nor protect non-TRNC citizens. The rental market governing foreigners falls under The Rent Control Act 17/1981 which sets forth grounds whereby a tenant may be evicted by a Landlord. 

​What rights do landlords and tenants have in North Cyprus?
If the tenant has an issue with the rent, the Rent Control Courts will assign an official Property Valuer who will determine a 'reasonable rent,' by assessing factors of the property such as its: age, size, location and condition. Additionally, the Landlord may not increase the rent by an absurd amount (say, double) without a Court Order permitting the increase.
Although proven quite difficult, landlords do have the right to evict tenants in certain circumstances. The law introduced the concept of a “statutory tenant” as someone whose tenancy has expired but who continues to remain in possession of the property.
What are the Grounds for Eviction?
In the event that one of the circumstances below arises, the Owner/Landlord may evict the Tenant - but ONLY where an Eviction Order is also granted by the Court:

• Where the tenant fails to pay the rent in accordance with the terms of the Tenancy Agreement

 

• If the tenant has breached a condition set out in the Tenancy Agreement or has failed to perform his obligations under the Tenancy Agreement

 

• Where the landlord/owner has a justified need for the property, for himself or for members of his family

·        If the tenant or any other person occupying the property with the tenant is a nuisance or acting in an illegal manner towards a neighbour or a neighbour’s property
·        In the case whereby the Court is of the opinion that the tenant has caused unjustified damage to the property either due to a destructive act or negligence
·        If the tenant is sub-letting whole or part of the property without the permission of the landlord and obtaining a direct or consequential profit by doing so
·        Where the tenant is an employee of the landlord and the employment has ended
·        If the owner/landlord has a need to modify or demolish the building with the approval of the Court (at least 1 months written notice should be given to tenant)
·        If in accordance with any Law, the evacuation of the property is necessary to implement a development project in accordance with the law
·        Where the property is required to be used by local authorities or in the case where there is a justified public interest in the opinion of the Court
·        Where the Court deems it reasonable to issue a provision or an order for eviction
 
In the case where the tenant is evicted for reasons regarding the Landlord, for example for the reconstruction of the property (with permission of the Court) - he would be instructed to grant damages to the tenant accordingly. This may be by way of payment amounting to 9-18 months’ rent or by way of the right to a new tenancy after the reconstruction of the property.