Attention renters and rental companies: These cars can no longer be rented

The Ministry of Trade has introduced a new regulation aimed at strengthening consumer rights and improving service standards in the car rental sector. The regulation sets new limits on the age, mileage, and maintenance status of cars to be rented, as well as authorization requirements for businesses.

According to the new rules, cars older than 6 years, excluding classic cars, cannot be rented out. A 180,000-kilometer limit will be applied to internal combustion engine vehicles. For electric cars, the mileage limit has been set at 300,000 kilometers.

Renting out cars that have not undergone periodic maintenance or have a record of heavy damage has also been prohibited. It is stated that with this step, the Ministry aims to raise safety and quality standards in rental services.

DEPOSIT CAP

The regulation also introduces a cap on the deposit amounts collected from consumers. Accordingly, for rentals of 1 to 6 days, a deposit of no more than 3 days' rent can be requested, and for rentals of 7 to 29 days, a deposit of no more than 7 days' rent can be requested.

It will be mandatory to refund the deposit to the consumer within 7 days after the vehicle is returned. This is intended to reduce problems experienced with deposit refunds after rental.

An obligation to obtain an authorization certificate is also being introduced for businesses renting out commercial vehicles. To obtain an authorization certificate, businesses must be registered with a professional chamber, have tax liability, and the authorized personnel must meet the specified training and professional competence requirements.

Businesses operating in certain districts in metropolitan cities will be required to have a fleet of at least 10 vehicles. Additionally, some businesses will be required to maintain hybrid or fully electric vehicles.

The Motor Vehicle Rental Information System will be established by the Ministry of Trade by January 1, 2027. The regulation will come into effect on January 1, 2027. Existing businesses will be granted until July 1, 2027, to obtain an authorization certificate, and until January 1, 2028, to comply with vehicle count and qualification requirements.

News Source: 12punto