Fire Safety and Equipment Requirement in Dwellings According to Law No. 7464
The Law No. 7464 on the Rental of Residential Properties for Tourism Purposes, which has entered into force in Turkey, now removes short-term rental properties from "residential" status and subjects them to the discipline of an operational "tourism facility." Within this scope, in order for you to pass the inspections of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, fire precautions are not a choice, but a necessity.
These precautions, which prevent you from obtaining your tourism license if you fail to pass the Ministry inspections, basically cover passive and active protection systems:
Active Precautions: These are 6 kg ABC-type dry chemical powder fire extinguishers that provide intervention during a fire, smoke detectors that provide early warning, and fire blankets in kitchens.
Passive Precautions: These are behind-the-door escape plans (diagrams) and photoluminescent directional signs that enable guests to evacuate without panicking.
Important Notes
Requirement: A fire extinguisher and smoke detector are mandatory for the Tourism Permit.
Extinguisher Standard: There must be at least one 6 kg ABC-type dry chemical powder extinguisher.
Placement: A smoke detector must be installed in every bedroom and hallway.
Documentation: An approved fire evacuation plan must be hung behind the entrance door.
Risk: Missing equipment means permit cancellation and heavy fines.
What Does the Fire Extinguisher Regulation for Apartments Say?
The obligation to have a fire extinguisher in apartments is regulated by the Regulation on the Fire Protection of Buildings, and this regulation also sets minimum fire safety standards for residential-type structures. For short-term rental properties, in addition to this general regulation, Tourism Rental Permit inspections under Law No. 7464 come into play; the Ministry looks for a separate fire extinguisher in each independent section, going beyond the building regulation.
Is a Fire Extinguisher Mandatory in an Apartment?
Yes, having a fire extinguisher is mandatory in apartment flats operated as short-term rentals (Airbnb, Booking, etc.), and this requirement is a prerequisite both for the Tourism Permit application and for the validity of the existing permit. Whether the extinguisher's expiration date is up-to-date and whether it is hung in a spot easily accessible to the guest (near the kitchen or entryway) is also checked during the inspection.
For flats rented out long-term, i.e., for a period of 101 days or more, this requirement does not fall under Law No. 7464 because these rentals are subject to the provisions of the Residential Tenancy Agreement. However, in terms of building regulations, general fire safety measures (extinguishers in common areas of the building, fire escapes, etc.) remain valid in all cases.
Fire Safety Standards in Short-Term Rentals
The critical equipment and standards that Ministry inspectors will check when they visit your property are as follows:
Smoke Detector Obligation: Battery-operated or hardwired smoke detectors must be installed on the ceiling of each independent section (rooms and hallway). We have discussed how to compare battery-powered, wired, and smart Wi-Fi detector options according to your budget in detail in our Airbnb smoke and carbon monoxide detector selection guide.
Fire Extinguisher Standards: There must be at least one 6 kg ABC-type dry chemical powder fire extinguisher in each property. The device's refill date must be up to date and it should be hung on a spot where the guest can easily reach it (preferably near the kitchen or entrance hall).
Escape Plan (Diagram): Behind the doors or at a visible point, there must be a compliant evacuation plan showing the evacuation route in case of a fire.
Fire Blanket: Especially in areas with high fire risk such as kitchens, having a fire blanket for quick intervention is recommended and scores additional points.
Directional Signs: In large properties or villa-type structures, the presence of "Exit" signs (preferably photoluminescent) is an indicator of professionalism in inspections.
Why Should You Take These Precautions?
You should see this equipment not just to avoid fines, but as insurance to protect your investment.
Inspection and Permit: Properties lacking the necessary fire equipment are not issued a "Tourism Rental Permit," and existing permits are canceled.
Legal Liability: In the event of a potential fire, the lack of this equipment required by regulations can put the property owner in a "primary fault" position, leading to heavy compensation and prison sentences.
Platform Algorithm and Guest Trust: On platforms such as Airbnb, having the smoke detector and fire extinguisher checked in the "Safety Features" section increases your property's safety score, directly affecting your 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.
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