Turkish landlords demand bank‑deposit and social‑media checks from renters

Landlords in Turkey have begun requesting extensive personal and financial information from prospective tenants. In addition to the usual identity documents and deposit, many owners now ask to see the applicant’s bank account balance, credit‑score reports such as Findeks, SGK employment records and even access to social‑media profiles. Legal experts warn that demanding a bank‑account statement violates data‑protection law (KVKK) and that reviewing social‑media content is permissible only with the tenant’s consent. Avukat Çiğdem Kezer said, “showing the amount of money in a bank account is not lawful under KVKK.” The trend is driven by a tight rental market, high interest rates and delayed home‑sales, which have shifted power toward property owners. Real‑estate specialist Murat Gözüpek described the practice as resembling a credit‑application process. Discriminatory refusals based on marital status, student status or ethnicity are also reported, and affected parties may appeal to the Turkey Human Rights and Equality Institution. Experts advise that reasonable, mutually‑agreed screening measures, rather than invasive demands, are a healthier approach for both landlords and tenants.