Adapted edition, 6 November 2026. First published in 2022.
If you are moving to Israel, ask for the proposed lease and a recent arnona bill before setting your monthly housing budget. Arnona is the municipal property charge. Vaad bayit is the building's shared maintenance payment. Check the actual amounts and allocation of costs for the apartment.
Plan the money needed to move in
List rent, routine building charges, utilities and any agreed agency fee. Put requested security arrangements on a separate line, recording the amount, form and conditions for release or return. Ask when each amount must be available. Have unfamiliar contract wording explained in a language you understand before signing.
Record the handover
With both parties' agreement, photograph the condition of walls and equipment. Record existing defects, meter readings, the number of keys and the inventory of furniture or appliances. Test the equipment and share the handover record with the landlord.
Know how the tenancy will work
Clarify who receives repair reports and how to document them. Review renewal, notice and early-exit terms. For your property search, give Alla your moving date and total monthly budget so suitable rentals can be compared on the same basis.