8 replies to this topic

[Roy]

Looking on web site for apartents, in the listings their is an entry "Dues Amount". is this a montly amount? For DOD civilians members is this a reimbursable expense under housing allownace?

Additionally, any help on narrowing the search to areas that are close to hilton hotel and the bx/commissary?

[Ken]

Looking on web site for apartents, in the listings their is an entry "Dues Amount". is this a montly amount?

Yes. This is an EXCELLENT question, covering two aspects of renting I've overlooked. As a result (thanks Roy), I've updated the topic "Renting an Apartment in Turkey."

Here's what I wrote there, I'll post it here as well:

The Kapaci: The kapici is a man who typically lives on the first floor of larger apartment complexes, with his family. He gets that living space as part of his compensation for being the kapici. The kapici's duties are to take care of the building in general, including the grounds, cleaning the stairwells, picking up the trash, stoking the furnace in the cold months, etc. Kapicis will also often get bread and a newspaper for you in the morning, make general repairs in your apartment, even pay your bills for you. If your place has a kapici, then you'll definitely have a monthly maintenance cost in addition to your rent, called "aydat." This covers the payment of the kapici. But it's also customary to tip your kapici during certain Turkish holidays.

Monthly Maintenance Fees, or "Aydat": You may be charged an additional monthly fee besides your rent, called "aydat." This covers the maintenance and upkeep of the building and grounds, and as mentioned in the last paragraph, the salary of the kapici. Many smaller places have no aydat whatsoever, or kapici, but still, somebody has to clean the steps in the stairway and make sure the building and grounds are maintained. In this case, the tenants will typically get together and equally contribute for expenses.

I live in a rather nice section of Alsancak, and pay an "aydat," or monthly fee in addition to my rent, of 250 YTL, which includes central heating in the winter (radiator). The kapici we have is absolutely first-class, he gets our bottled water, our newspaper, got us an electrician to install our ceiling lights, helped me assemble some of my furniture, and he'd probably do more if we asked.

For DOD civilians members is this a reimbursable expense under housing allownace?

Having never been a DoD Civilian (I was active duty military and a contractor in Turkey), I don't know what the rules are for DoD civilians. As far as I know, you get a housing allowance, and that's it... I seriously doubt if aydat is a "reimbursable expense." But if I'm wrong on that, please correct me.

Additionally, any help on narrowing the search to areas that are close to hilton hotel and the bx/commissary?

Just look in the Internet listings for apartments in Alsancak. That's about as specific as I can be on that one. The Turkey Central crew is VERY aware of OPSEC and Force Protection issues, so we're intentionally vague on locations when it comes to the US military or anything associated with that kind of thing. Well Roy, you know the routine, I'm probably "preaching to the choir" here! Anyway, all I'll say is, the Hilton is in the heart of Alsancak, so if you know where that is, that's basically where Alsancak is. In fact, if you're ever lost in Izmir, the Hilton is the tallest building and can be seen for miles... When I first got here, for quite a while I used the Hilton as a navigation aid! When you get here, you'll be doing it too!

[Roy]

Is it logical that since I will most likely live in an apartment, that, the higher the floor, the better the breeze is or the cooler it will be? Is there an appricable difference?

The things that come in my head while i sleep, scares me sometimes.

Thanks
Roy

[Ken]

Well, we live on the 8th floor, which is above the roofs of the buildings around us. Strangely enough, the apartments have air conditioners except on the top floors of our building, and there's always a breeze where we are. So in that case, I assume there's a difference. We also have ceiling fans, I haven't been here in the middle of summer yet, so I assume that's probably enough.

[techguy]

You will be able to go through the housing office at Izmir which has listings of apartments/houses available for rent that have been vetted and are approved for renting by U.S. Military, DoD civilians, U.S. contractors. They will assist you through the whole process and explain the allowances you get for housing, utilities, etc. and what they cover. You will not be able to rent from any landlords that are on the banned list (if any).

[LaidBak]

Roy,
If you can go through the Housing office then definitely do so. They handle every aspect of getting you into a home. If not (not sure of the rules for DoD Civilians) then I say rent in the Gurel towers. Nicest fully furnished apartment I've ever seen anywhere. Like something right out of a magazine. The Gurel is right next to the Hilton.

[Roy]

Laidbak,

I will have to go thru the housing office wether I use their list or go find one on my own, they still have to sign off to ensure that all in on the up and up and for me to be reimbused by USAF.

Just been looking at the sites fron Ben's post to see what out there.

How's parking? Is A/C hard to find?

Roy

[LaidBak]

Parking absolutely, positively blows. Every place that the housing office arranges has A/C. Its not central air though. Its indoor heating and cooling units. Usually two units per house (living room and then one of the bedrooms).

Edited by Ben Densin, 29 November 2009 - 01:37 AM.

[bellkisses]

Well, we live on the 8th floor, which is above the roofs of the buildings around us. Strangely enough, the apartments have air conditioners except on the top floors of our building, and there's always a breeze where we are. So in that case, I assume there's a difference. We also have ceiling fans, I haven't been here in the middle of summer yet, so I assume that's probably enough.

Hi Ken, my name is Bett Belkis Gonzalez. I'm hoping I can get some assistance from you regarding apartment rental. I am a turkish citizen (through my parents). both my parents are turkish, but i was born in germany and grew up in New York. I'm now 49 years young and throught the summers in my life my parents have come to turkey. we've also or they've purchased many apartments throughout izmir (where my father is from), istanbul, bodrum and cesme. about 6 years ago I purchased an apartment in Izmir, in Kucuk Yali (kopru durak). half my apartment faces mitatpasa cad and the other faces the water. I'm also on the 8th floor cati kat. for the past 4 years i've been trying to get my tenant to vacate and a few months ago i found out he did vacate and didn't pay rent for two years (which I'm so lucky and grateful that he's managing to slowly pay up). for the past two months i've been doing major and i mean major renovations in the apartment. brand new plumbing, electric, radiators, windows, walls, switched the bathroom and kitchen around and also put the living room to face the ocean and two bedrooms facing mitatpasa cad and the apartment is finally coming to an amazingly beautiful end. the complete opposite of what i purchased. my question to you is how would i go about renting to americans or people of NATO. included in my apartment is also one parking space, which is rare. I'll be semi furnishing it with beds, sofa and table and chairs, and it will come equiped with all necessities in the kitchen and a washing machine. I do not want to rent to locals as my experience has not been good. I'd rather rent short term or one year minimum to americans and hope that my home will remain the same as they went into it and not take my washing machine or dishwasher when they leave. would you be able to guide me as to who i can meet with to handle the rental. I'm currently in turkey now (in cesme) but i'm leaving on August 26th back to New York. I look forward to hearing from you. Bett