Contract and debt law: contracts, claims and compensation
Contracts, debt collection, compensation claims and rental disputes.
- Civil cases
Last updated: · Av. Şeref Şahin
The law of obligations governs contracts between people, the rights that arise when they are breached, and compensation for harm caused by wrongful acts. Most everyday sales, rental, service and work contracts fall within this area.
In many disputes, applying to a mediator is mandatory before filing a case. Rental and commercial disputes are the main examples, and handling this stage well affects the outcome of the case.
When legal advice may be needed
- You want a contract reviewed before you sign it
- Money owed to you is not being paid
- The other party is not complying with the contract
- You have suffered harm because of an accident or someone’s fault
- There is a dispute over rent, eviction or a deposit
- Enforcement proceedings have been started against you
Services
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts
- Debt claims and enforcement proceedings
- Actions to set aside objections and actions for a declaration of non-indebtedness
- Claims for material and non-material damages
- Rent determination, rent adjustment and eviction cases
- Representation in mandatory and voluntary mediation
- Drafting formal notices
- Disputes over work and service contracts
Common questions in this area
Is mediation mandatory in rental disputes?
Yes. Since 1 September 2023, applying to a mediator is a precondition for filing a case in disputes arising from a tenancy. There are some exceptions, such as eviction through enforcement proceedings.
How long do I have to file a claim for money owed to me?
The general limitation period under the Turkish Code of Obligations is ten years. For rent, wages and some commercial claims it is five years; shorter periods apply to compensation for wrongful acts.
Enforcement proceedings have been started against me. What should I do?
In proceedings not based on a court judgment, the deadline to object to the payment order is seven days from notification. You can object to all or part of the debt. Once the deadline passes, the proceedings become final.
Is a verbal contract valid?
Unless the law requires a specific form, verbal contracts are valid. However, important contracts should be in writing to make them easier to prove. Some contracts, such as the sale of real estate, must be made in an official form.