February 9, 2026
The Law No. 7464 on the Rental of Residential Properties for Tourism Purposes, which has come into force in Turkey, removes the status of "residential" from short-term rental properties and subjects them operationally to the discipline of "tourism establishments." In this context, fire safety measures are not an option but are mandatory.
If you fail to pass the ministry inspections, these measures will prevent you from obtaining your operating certificate and primarily include passive and active protection systems:
Active Measures: 6 kg dry chemical powder fire extinguishers that respond during a fire, smoke detectors that provide early warning, and fire blankets in the kitchens.
Passive Measures: Plans for escape routes (diagrams) behind doors that ensure guests can evacuate without panic and luminous directional signs.
Important Notes
Obligation: A fire extinguisher and a smoke detector are a requirement for the Tourism Permit Certificate.
Extinguisher Standard: There must be at least 1 6 kg ABC type dry chemical powder extinguisher available.
Installation: Smoke detectors must be installed in every bedroom and corridor.
Documentation: An approved fire evacuation diagram must be displayed behind the entrance door.
Risk: Missing equipment means document cancellation and a heavy fine.
Fire Safety Standards for Short-Term Rentals
The critical equipment and standards that ministry inspectors will check when they visit your property are as follows:
Smoke Detector Requirement: Battery-operated or electrically connected smoke detectors must be installed on the ceiling of each independent unit (rooms and corridors).
Fire Extinguisher Standards: Each property must have at least one 6 kg dry chemical powder fire extinguishing device. The device's refill date must be current and should be hung in a location easily accessible to guests (preferably near the kitchen or hallway).
Escape Plan (Diagram): A legal evacuation plan showing the evacuation route must be present behind doors or in a visible location.
Fire Blanket: It is recommended and rewarded to have a fire blanket in areas with a high fire risk like kitchens for quick response.
Directional Signs: In larger properties or villa-type structures, having "Exit" signs (preferably photoluminescent) is a sign of professionalism during inspections.
Why Should You Take These Measures?
You should view these pieces of equipment not just as a way to avoid penalties, but as insurance to protect your investment.
Inspection and Permit Certificate: Residential properties without the necessary fire equipment are not issued a "Tourism Rental Permit Certificate"; existing certificates are canceled.
Legal Liability: In the event of a fire, lacking these equipment as required by legislation can put the property owner in a position of "primary fault," leading to heavy compensation and prison sentences.
Platform Algorithm and Guest Safety: Having smoke detectors and fire extinguishers marked in the "Safety Features" section on platforms like Airbnb increases your property's safety score, directly affecting booking rates.
Do I have to have a Smoke Detector and Fire Extinguisher in my house?
Yes. Under Law No. 7464, it is a legal requirement to have a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher (at least 6 kg) that meets the standards in your property to obtain a "Tourism Rental Permit".
Which type of fire extinguisher should I buy?
According to regulations, fire extinguishers with a capacity of generally 6 kg of ABC type dry chemical powder (KKT) should be preferred in residences. The cylinder must have the TSE stamp and the current filling date.
Where should I install smoke detectors in the property?
Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom and in corridors that serve as escape routes, near the center of the ceiling. In kitchens, it is recommended to use heat detectors instead of smoke detectors to prevent false alarms.
What Happens if the Fire Extinguisher and Detector are Missing?
If deficiencies in this equipment are found during inspections conducted by ministry inspectors, a permit will not be issued for your property. If you already have a permit, a lack of equipment may lead to the cancellation of the permit or to heavy administrative fines.
Is it mandatory to prepare a Fire Evacuation Plan?
Yes. One of the control conditions is to display an evacuation plan (map), where guests can see the exit door and the route to follow, behind the entrance door or on a visible wall.
