TRNC Publishes Draft Laws on Water Fees and Tourist Holiday Rentals

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has introduced two new draft laws concerning water fees and holiday rentals for tourists, now open for public consultation for 20 days.

Both proposals have been published in the Official Gazette. The amendment to the Municipalities Law aims to regulate water pricing, prevent excessive charges, and ensure fair tariffs across different regions. According to the draft, water fees cannot exceed twice the tariff set by the Water Resources Department for drinking water. Additionally, the hourly rate must not be higher than the minimum monthly wage.

The second draft law focuses on holiday rentals, requiring all short-term accommodations for tourists to be registered and inspected. The goal is to ensure legal compliance, improve service standards, and boost tax revenue.

Under the proposal, all holiday homes must be registered with the Tourism Planning Department and obtain a business license. These properties will be limited to a maximum of 10 guests and must meet basic requirements, such as having a separate kitchen and bathroom.

The cost of a business license will range from 7% to 15% of the minimum wage, depending on the rental property’s classification. Owners who operate unregistered rentals could face up to two years in prison or substantial fines.

The public is invited to submit written feedback on the draft laws to the Presidency of the Republican Assembly within 20 days.