My landlord is keeping my deposit in Israel. What can I do?

In Israel, landlords must return the deposit within a reasonable timeframe after keys are handed over, and may only deduct amounts documented with original invoices for real damages. You can file a claim at Small Claims Court (up to 39,900 NIS, no lawyer needed). Source: Hok HaSkhirut 1971.

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can ask for in Israel?

Israeli law (section 25y of the Tenancy Law) ties the guarantee cap to roughly three months' rent or one third of the lease term, whichever is lower. The typical market standard is 2 months.

Can my landlord enter my apartment without notice in Israel?

No. Tenants have the right to peaceful possession of their home. Landlords should give advance notice; entering without notice may violate privacy rights under Israeli law.

How much has Arnona increased recently?

The national Arnona tariff update is 1.626% for 2026 and 3.05% for 2027. The formula is 50% CPI + 50% public sector wages, updated annually; a municipality may be approved to exceed it, and it is not the final bill for a specific home.

Can my landlord raise the rent during the contract?

Generally no — Israeli law does not allow rent increases during the contract period unless an explicit indexation clause exists. Any adjustment is typically limited to CPI, once per year.

Your lease is in Hebrew. We write the law in the margin.

Q: Who pays Arnona (municipal tax) in Israel?

In most rental contracts, the tenant pays the Arnona. New immigrants (Olim Hadashim) may be eligible for up to a 90% discount on up to 100 m² for 12 months within their first two years; the rate is set by each municipality and Tel Aviv-Yafo applies 50%, not 90%. Apply at your local municipality with your Teudat Oleh.

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הסכם שכירות בלתי מוגנת

6.תקופת השכירות היא 12 חודשים, החל מיום ועד ליום .

7.2השוכר יישא בעלות כל תיקון בדירה ובמערכותיה, לרבות צנרת, דוד ומזגן, יהא מקור הליקוי אשר יהא.

7.3השוכר לא יעשה כל שינוי בדירה ולא יוסיף לה דבר, אלא בהסכמת המשכיר מראש ובכתב.

9.1להבטחת קיום התחייבויותיו ימסור השוכר למשכיר שטר חוב בסך השווה לארבעה חודשי שכירות.

10.בתום תקופת השכירות יחזיר השוכר את הדירה כשהיא נקייה ובמצב שבו קיבל אותה, למעט בלאי סביר.

14.השכירות לפי הסכם זה אינה מוגנת על פי חוק הגנת הדייר, והשוכר לא שילם דמי מפתח.

15.כל שינוי בהסכם זה ייעשה בכתב ובחתימת שני הצדדים.

המשכיר השוכר

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A few figures worth knowing before you sign.

Public, sourced and orientativo — the exact figure for your home is always verified against the official authority.

≤ 3 months

Guarantee ceiling

Section 25י ties deposit + guarantees to about three months' rent or a third of the term, whichever is lower.

Kol Zchut

90%

Olim Arnona discount

New immigrants may get up to 90% off Arnona on up to 100 m² for 12 months, within their first two years. Tel Aviv-Yafo applies 50%, not 90%.

Kol Zchut

39,900₪

Small claims ceiling

You can file a deposit or damage claim at Small Claims Court — no lawyer needed (from 1.1.2026).

Gov.il

1.626%

Arnona update

National tariff update: 1.626% for 2026, 3.05% for 2027 — formula 50% CPI + 50% public-sector wages. A municipality may be approved to go above it. Not your final bill.

Misrad HaPnim

Your rights depend on your situation.

The same clause can be fine for one tenant and a trap for another. We tailor the read to your profile — with a dedicated guide for each.

New immigrantsעוליםArnona discounts and rental aid in the first years. Students & shared flatsסטודנטיםJoint liability, shared deposits and roommate swaps. Reserve dutyמילואיםWhat happens with rent during call-up. Lone soldiersחייל בודדPost-service rent assistance many never claim. Single-parent familiesהורה יחידArnona relief and income support. Elderly & disabledקשישים ונכיםAccessibility rights and Arnona relief. Haredi familiesחרדיםLarge-family clauses and income-based help. Arab & Bedouin tenantsערבים ובדואיםMunicipal Arnona and housing verification. Bituach Leumi recipientsביטוח לאומיMeans-tested rental aid and itemised rent. Large familiesמשפחות מרובות ילדיםLarge-family Arnona discount and occupancy clauses. Holocaust survivorsניצולי שואהSurvivor benefits and Arnona status. Disabled veteransנכי מלחמהArnona by degree and accessible housing. Institutional rentalדיור להשכרהState-supervised standard terms. Pregnant tenantsבהריוןAnti-discrimination and a fit home. Common-law couplesידועים בציבורEqual rights, both partners on the lease.

Arnona, deposits and renewals shift city by city.

Each city has its own market reality and municipal quirks. Pick yours for the local read.

Grounded, not guessing.

We're new — so we don't lean on testimonials. We lean on the law, and we show our work.

The laws

Built on the three statutes that govern Israeli renting: the Tenancy Law, the Protected Tenancy Law and the Fair Rental Law.
The sources

Every figure links to an official source — Kol Zchut, Gov.il, Misrad HaShikun — and is marked orientativo when it can change.
The method

We flag risks and point you to the right authority or lawyer. We don't replace one — and we say so plainly.

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