Just thought I should share some very useful information with all the members who rent out their properties.

As I have had a few headaches and a lot of stress over renting, but have now got everything in order so perhaps this will help others avoid having any problems.

Basically it all started on Boxing Day, when the "Baskan" site manager, who is elected yearly on our complex came to my house Boxing Day, ranting and raving about people renting out their properties. He had printed out all the pages from my web site, and also all of the other owners who advertise on the internet. And he said he was collecting "evidence" to take to the Jandarma about anyone who rents their properties.

Basically saying we are running it as a business, and wants to know are we paying tax and he would not believe me, when I explained that there is an agreement between Turkey and the UK, so you do not pay double taxation.

So I am now fuming, and a little upset ( understatement!)

My property manager had been there translating for me, and also arguing the point on my behalf, and the other people on the complex that she also represents.

The next stage for us was to find out exactly what the legalaties were, and were we infact doing something wrong.

First step, we went and got tax numbers which took all of 10 minutes and cost nothing. This just meant we took our passports to the tax office, completed the forms, and we then both received our tax numbers. All very painless, and we should have done this before now.

Next step, we spoke to our local Jandarma, who actually wanted us to make a complaint about our "Baskan" as he says he is harassing us, and there is no a problem at all, about having guests stay in our apartment. But by law in Turkey, you should legally inform the Jandarma, when you have people visiting your property. This is why, when anyone arrives at a Turkish Hotel, their passport details are taken and given to the Jandarma/Police.

So we were told to go and "register" with the Muhtarlik which is basically like letting the council/village elders know who is in the area under their control. This is part of the council/belediye and cost us 12 ytl, to have 3 files made up, one for the Muhtarlik, one for the Jandarma, and one for us. This envolved, having 3 sets of photographs taken, our passports copied and our tax numbers copied. Then you take all three files to the Jandarma, which the Captain then signs, he kept a copy and a copy was then returned to the Muhtarlik after it had the Captains signature.

The purpose of these files, is that when any family/friends/guests arrive, they complete a form which will be ready at the apartment, and they have to put their full names, passport numbers and home address. Then my property manager will take a copy for the Muhtarlik and also to the Jandarma.

I also have obtained a translated copy into English of the Mugla general sitesi/complex rules, so that I could confirm that there was not a rule saying I could not have guests at my house. I will get a copy put on the forum, in English, but it will take me quite some time to type it all out. The rules do confirm, that I should inform the authorities/baskan of guests staying at the property.

I also spoke to several emlaks/estate agents who spoke to their solicitors and accountants as to which way I should go, with regards to tax. It has been suggested that I pay "Income Tax" for any rentals in my property. But this means I cannot claim any outgoings I have on the property. Income tax forms have to be completed at the end of January, so I have already paid the accountant 200 ytl and I will be emailing him, my income from the property and he will then submit this to the tax office and I can make payments in two stages, March and July. When I know how much I have to pay, I will let you know.

I have also spoken to the British Consulate in Marmaris, who confirms, that there is no problem about having guests, but I should pass on the information to the authorities.

So all in all, I am completely legal. I had another meeting with the complex Baskan, and he did not shout at me this time, as he now realises, I have done everything correctly and am probably more legal than he is, as he also rents out his property for long term rentals, which makes me wonder? Does he pay income tax on his earnings!

I also had to get a written valuation from my local council for the value of my property, this is needed for the accountant (not quite sure why?) This cost me 15 ytl to have it done and there is one for myself, and one for my husband.

In total, it took me 3 days to get everything sorted out, but this was because no one really knew how to go about things and get everything sorted out. It would only take a few hours to get everything done, knowing what to do, and where to go.