What is the Main Purpose of Consumer Law?

Consumer law is a special area of law created to protect the rights of individuals against the goods or services they purchase. Based on the fact that the consumer is the weaker party in economic terms and in need of protection, the Consumer Protection Law No. 6502 was enacted. This law covers a wide area from defective goods to service defects, from contract cancellations to compensation claims.

In a city like Antalya, where commercial and touristic activities are intense, the protection of consumer rights and the resolution of disputes are of great importance. Problems that arise especially in sectors such as real estate, tourism, retail, banking services and private education are often brought to consumer courts.

Where is the Consumer Court in Antalya?

In Antalya, consumer courts generally serve as civil courts of first instance . In busy districts such as Muratpaşa, Kepez, Konyaaltı, these courts work directly as consumer courts, while in some districts this duty is undertaken by civil courts of first instance.

The jurisdiction is the court of the consumer's place of residence or the place where the seller/service provider is located. Alternatively, it is also possible to apply to the district consumer arbitration boards before filing a lawsuit. Disputes falling under a certain monetary limit should be referred to the arbitration board, not directly to the court.

What are the Most Common Consumer Cases in Antalya?

Defective Goods and Services Cases

The most fundamental issue of consumer law is that the purchased product is faulty, damaged, incomplete or different from what was promised. In Antalya, such cases are frequently seen, especially in the electronics, white goods and furniture sectors.

Disputes Based on Housing Sale

The rapidly increasing housing projects in Antalya bring with them many problems. Consumers are filing lawsuits especially for reasons such as undelivered apartments, faulty building delivery, and conditions contrary to the contract.

Complaints About Banking Transactions

Consumer courts in Antalya are full of lawsuits filed against banks due to file fees, credit card fees, insurance deductions and unfair collections. In this area, the rate of decisions in favor of banks is generally low because the legislation has developed in favor of the consumer.

Renovation and Service Disputes

Complaints about defective workmanship, poor quality of materials or failure to meet delivery deadlines in renovation and maintenance-repair services performed in areas such as homes, workplaces and summer houses are also the subject of consumer lawsuits.

Tourism, Travel and Hotel Related Cases

Since Antalya is a touristic city, disputes arising from issues such as tour packages, holiday reservations, hotel services are also brought to the courts. Cases are filed for reasons such as holiday cancellation, lack of service or failure to provide the promised accommodation conditions.

Scope of Defective Goods and Services Cases

Before filing a defective goods lawsuit, the date the consumer purchased the product, the warranty period and the application made to the seller are taken into consideration. The consumer must notice and report the defect within 6 months after receiving the product. The seller must replace the product, repair it free of charge, make a discount on the price or grant the right of withdrawal.

Consumer Cases Resulting from Real Estate and Housing Sales in Antalya

While housing projects are rapidly increasing in Antalya, it has become common for some companies to act contrary to contracts. Consumers are filing lawsuits demanding contract cancellation and compensation due to flats not delivered to consumers, houses that are poorly structured and unlicensed projects. In such cases, the courts decide according to the company's faulty delivery or non-delivery status.

Consumer Lawsuits Filed Against Banks

Deductions such as credit allocation fees, life insurance fees or annual card fees that banks unfairly take are frequently the subject of lawsuits by consumers. In Antalya, especially individual credit customers start the lawsuit process after applying to the arbitration board. Consumer courts usually decide to refund the deduction in these cases.

Complaints About Tourism and Holiday Packages

Tourism, one of the largest sectors in Antalya, is unfortunately also the center of consumer disputes. Problems such as the hotel being different than the one specified in the holiday packages purchased, low service quality or last minute cancellation of the reservation are the subject of a lawsuit. In such cases, the consumer has the right to demand material and moral compensation.

Differences Between Consumer Arbitration Committee and Court in Antalya

Consumer arbitration boards were established to resolve disputes below a certain monetary limit. As of 2025, this limit has been set at 104,000 TL . Cases below this limit first go to the arbitration board, disputes above this limit are brought directly to court.

The decisions of the arbitration board are also binding. If the parties do not object to the decision, it becomes a judgment. However, if the decision is objected to, the consumer court steps in.

Most Common Mistakes and Reasons Why Cases Are Rejected

The most common mistakes in consumer cases are:

  • Incomplete submission of documents (invoice, warranty document, contract)

  • Filing a lawsuit with an unauthorized court

  • Exceeding the statute of limitations

  • Failure to fulfill the burden of proof

These errors may result in the case being dismissed and the plaintiff having to pay litigation costs.

What to Do Before Filing a Lawsuit in the Consumer Court in Antalya

First of all, written communication should be established with the seller or service provider. Even emails, notices or social media correspondence can be evidence. In addition, in some cases, a mediation process can be initiated.

When preparing a petition, the subject must be explained clearly, concrete evidence must be added and the request must be clearly stated. In Antalya, it is advantageous to get support from a lawyer to speed up these processes.

How Long Does the Litigation Process Take in Antalya Consumer Courts?

The average duration of consumer cases varies between 4 and 12 months . Some files may take longer depending on the volume. The duration is extended especially in cases requiring expert examination. When the case is concluded, the parties may apply for appeal or cassation, which may extend the process for another 1-2 years.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Can a lawsuit be filed without a lawyer?
Yes, individual applications can be made to consumer courts.

Is the arbitration board's decision binding?
Yes, if no objection is made within the time limit, it becomes final.

Can I get a refund for incomplete service?
Yes, a refund or service renewal can be requested.

Is it expensive to file a lawsuit?
There is a fee exemption in consumer cases. However, other litigation expenses may occur.

May witnesses be required during the process?
Yes, witnesses may be called to support oral statements.

When will the decision be implemented?
Once the decision becomes final, it becomes enforceable.

Recommendations for Reducing Consumer Disputes in Antalya

All purchases must have a written contract and invoices must be kept. Recorded communications are of great importance, especially in high-value transactions. Consumer education and rights awareness activities are the most effective way to minimize disputes. Organizing informative brochures and seminars in this area by local governments in Antalya can make a big difference.