What to check in a rental contract
The points worth checking before you sign. This is not legal advice: for any question, check the source or a lawyer.
What the law says
- When it applies: a residential lease of more than three months (or with an option to extend), at a rent of up to ₪20,000 a month.
- Guarantee: the law caps it at a third of the rent for the whole period, and no more than three months' rent (whichever is lower). A cash deposit comes back within 60 days of returning the flat.
- Repairs: the landlord must fix an ordinary fault within 30 days of your request, and one that makes the flat unlivable within 3 days. A contract can shorten these times but not extend them.
- What is on you: small repairs, and damage caused by unreasonable use.
What to look for in the contract itself
- Option to extend: check whether there is one, and at what price.
- Leaving early: check whether you can leave before the end, and on what terms.
- List of defects: attach a list and photos of what is already broken.
