A new legislative framework has set the foundations for transparent and merit-based management of Turkish Cypriot properties, according to Anthi Lakkotrypi, Director of the Turkish Cypriot Properties Service.
Speaking on the programme “Mesimeri kai Kati”, Lakkotrypi said the changes were necessary after decades of weak oversight. She stressed that the new law equips the Service with clear tools to restore order.
She added that the Service now applies action plans at an intensive pace, following instructions from the Guardian, the Minister of Interior.
Extensive checks and contract violations
Lakkotrypi said the Service carried out extensive inspections over the past year. Authorities completed checks on open-space commercial premises.
Inspectors reviewed 4,032 lease agreements and identified violations in 512 cases. Following warning letters, 146 tenants complied. The Service continues procedures in the remaining cases.
Authorities have already recovered 66 commercial premises and open spaces.
Local authorities under scrutiny
The Service also completed inspections of agreements with local authorities.
In municipalities, inspectors reviewed 275 cases and identified 31 violations. Authorities sent warning letters and recovered 13 properties.
For community councils, inspections covered 589 cases nationwide. Inspectors issued 33 warning letters and expect compliance.
Housing inspections step up
Lakkotrypi also referred to inspections of Turkish Cypriot homes. Over the past two months, the Service formed inspection teams in district offices and launched a new control plan.
She described the task as large-scale, as the state has allocated 4,500 Turkish Cypriot homes. Inspectors checked 91 homes during the first phase. They found violations and recovered six properties.
What happens after property recovery
Lakkotrypi clarified the process following recovery. Under the new law, the Service must publish available Turkish Cypriot properties every three months.
When authorities recover a commercial property or premises, they include it in the next publication. For homes, engineers first carry out a visual inspection. If the property passes, the Service proceeds with publication.
High public interest and transparency measures
Public interest remains strong. Authorities published 114 properties in total and received more than 1,000 applications.
Lakkotrypi announced further transparency measures. The Service will now upload completed applications to its website after scoring. Applicants will be able to see how many points they received.
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