Housing Search in Israel: A Guide for Repatriates
Reading time: 8 minutes
- Preparation for the search: budget and documents
- Choosing a location and inspecting the apartment
- Signing the contract and protecting your rights
- Moving in and settling in
Moving to a new country is always exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to finding housing. For a new repatriate in Israel, renting an apartment involves not only financial and bureaucratic matters but also a language barrier that can seriously hinder communication with landlords and agents. This is where modern technological solutions come to the rescue. Our free classifieds website offers a unique feature: every listing posted is automatically translated into four key languages of the country — Hebrew, English, Russian, and Arabic. This not only expands the audience for your listing but also makes the process of searching for or renting out housing as comfortable and efficient as possible for all market participants.
Preparation for the search: budget and documents
The first and most important step is determining your budget. In addition to the monthly rent, consider additional expenses: arnona (municipal tax), water, electricity, and, typically, a realtor’s commission (if you use one). Next — prepare a set of documents. Israeli landlords usually request a salary certificate (teudat masa), references from previous rental places, and a copy of your ID (teudat zehut). Having these documents on hand will significantly speed up the approval process. To find suitable options, start with the Real Estate section, where thousands of listings are already waiting for you in four languages.
Choosing a location and inspecting the apartment
Choosing a neighborhood is not just a matter of price; it’s a matter of integration and comfort. Study the infrastructure: proximity to public transport, supermarkets, a clinic (kupat holim), and schools if you are moving with children. Don’t rely solely on photos in the listing! Be sure to personally visit the options you like. During the inspection, check the operation of all plumbing, air conditioning, the presence of mold on the walls, and the condition of the windows. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about neighbors and previous tenants. The platform automatically translates all descriptions and conditions, allowing you to understand the essence of the listing even if it was originally in Hebrew.
Signing the contract and protecting your rights
Once the choice is made, the stage of signing the lease agreement (hezkat ha-sechirut) begins. Read every clause carefully! Make sure the contract clearly states: the rent amount, payment schedule, the amount of the security deposit (pikadon), the responsibilities of the parties for repairs, and the conditions for terminating the contract. Insist that all verbal agreements be put in writing. It is recommended to show the contract to a lawyer or acquaintances who have lived in the country for a long time. Remember, by posting your housing search listing in the Hand to Hand section, you get instant translation, which attracts more responsible landlords.
Moving in and settling in
After signing the contract and transferring the deposit, the long-awaited moment of moving in arrives. Draw up and sign a property acceptance certificate with the landlord, recording the condition of all items in the apartment at that moment — this will protect you from unfounded claims in the future. Then proceed to connect essential services: electricity, water, and internet. For this, you will need your lease agreement and teudat zehut. Don’t forget that for solving many everyday issues, from finding furniture to hiring a handyman, you can use the Services section, where all offers are also available in Russian.
Searching for an apartment in Israel as a new repatriate is a comprehensive process that requires attention to detail: from budget planning and document collection to thorough housing inspection and proper contract signing. Following these tips will help you avoid common mistakes and find a suitable option. A key tool that significantly simplifies this task is using a modern digital platform where the language barrier ceases to be a problem. By posting or browsing listings on our site, you get instant translation into Hebrew, English, Arabic, and Russian, making communication transparent and the search efficient. This is your reliable helper for quick and successful adaptation in a new country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to determine a suitable budget for renting an apartment in Israel?
Include not only the rent but also additional expenses such as arnona, utilities, and realtor commissions.
What to do if the apartment I want to rent is listed in another language?
Use our site, which automatically translates listings into four main languages, making it easier to understand.
Do I need to sign a written lease agreement?
Yes, it is mandatory. Make sure the contract specifies all rental conditions and protections for your rights.
How to solve everyday issues after moving in?
Use the Services section on our site to find furniture and handymen who can also help with local issues.