Find Out About Consumer Protection Law in Turkey

More European tourists are visiting Turkey to spend extended holidays and some of them even invest in local properties like villas, penthouses, and apartments in various cities that they want to call their second home. Sadly, foreigners sometimes become victims of unfair and fraudulent transactions because they don’t understand local laws. This is why it makes sense to be informed on the Turkish legal system and the consumer protection law in the country. All deals and contracts must be constructed according to Turkey's consumer protection laws, and all companies are obligated to inform you about these laws. If you are thinking of doing business in Turkey, be sure to consult with a skilled lawyer about your legal rights in the country. Here are some important things you should know about the consumer protection law in Turkey:

1. Real estate - In terms of real estate, your rights include ensuring that the property was legally built and that it is backed by authorized documents. You can get this information from the City Council or the Cadastral Chamber. Knowing this kind of information will help reduce your chances of getting embroiled in a real estate scam.

1. Tourism - Some tourists encounter problems like bad accommodation, poor hotel service, issues with their excursions and transfers, and much more. Don’t worry—consumer protection laws in Turkey regulate these issues, and you can consult with a Turkish attorney for legal help.

1. You have the right to effective legal protection – Turkish consumer laws have gone through several crucial changes and most of these are strongly influenced by Swiss and German systems. The new system states that most contact types arranged with Turkish companies already fall under the jurisdiction of modernized laws. Hence, if you become victim to dishonest and fraudulent selling practices, you now have legal rights even if you are a tourist. It does not matter whether you are a foreigner or a local. Just be sure that the violation occurred in Turkey, and the company or entity who violated your rights is Turkish.

2. Defective goods – New consumer laws changed the provisions on defective goods within the scope of the European Council Directive 1999/44. It states that you can let the seller know that they sold you defective goods within six months. There are no statutes of limitations for the liability for defective goods.

1. Sales in instalments – Like the former law, the new law lets you withdraw from the contract within seven days without paying a penalty or giving any reason.

Seyhan law office was established in 2001 by three qualified lawyers Hakan Uncuoglu, Mustafa Korkmaz and Bulent Seyhan to offer legal services for foreign citizens and companies in Turkey.