TIPS FOR RENTING AN APARTMENT IN ISRAEL
Finding Your Landing Pad
By Ilan Rubinstein
Use Online maps and resources to do your homework on where to live.
Consider being close to friends & family for support
Go within easy commute of better job prospects – Transport links
Educational requirements - full school day
Climate preferences coastal / temperate / hills / arid
Leisure facilities & religious needs
Affordability - think twice about renting where where you probably can't ever buy.
Beware of harsh or bogus (rare but sadly exists world over) landlords ask for proof of title and ID.
Use of a lawyer is thus recommended
Check if security bars, alarm, air conditioning & furniture & appliances are included.
Are utility / communal bills paid up to date
View / stake out at day & night
Beware of clauses to vacate early.
Guarantors – usually 1 or 2 not always required often where you can provide a ...
Security deposit – Varies & amount is often negotiable .
Beware Absentee landlords (clarify who will maintain?)
Renewal option should have the terms attached.
Viewing clauses – how much notice is reasonable
Option to buy may be regarded by tax authorities as a purchase.
Photograph condition before moving in
Keep paint used or colour code.
Read, record and photograph water, gas & electricity meter readings
Show municipality Teudat Oleh for a 12 month discount.
Landlord usually asks tenant to insure contents and take out a 3rd party liability cover.
Ask to see copy of hi buildings Insurance which should be owners responsibility. (Not necessarily worth busting a deal over through)
Don't wait until April to start looking to buy... check your eligibility now!
Further details on application
The above checklist is for general guidance purposes and is not a comprehesnive document.
Nothing herein shall be construed as forming legal advice. Wishing you the best of luck in your new home.
