You are looking to rent an apartment or house in Israel. The first and most important thing on your list should be to find a place you where you wish to live and at the right price. But the terms and conditions of the rent should not be far behind.
Making sure it's the right neighborhood/community to fit your needs and those of your family, with good schools, synagogues, nice parks, shopping areas etc., is something you would do naturally. Unfortunately, however, people tend to think it ends there. The importance of reading and signing the contract are things which are often overlooked. Amazingly, sometimes no contract even exists.
Understanding the Contract
Take the case of Avrumi G. from Brooklyn, who is planning to get married during the summer, and is looking to rent an apartment beginning this fall. His fiance hears from her best friend that a distant cousin of hers is leaving the apartment she had been living in for a few years. They get the owner's name and number, give him a call, mail him a deposit and the deal is closed.
But wait a minute! What are terms of the rental? What's included in the price? How long is the lease for? What if they want to leave early or stay longer? Is the rent in shekels or dollars? What happens when the dollar rate goes up or down? Is the apartment fully or partially furnished? What is the condition of the furniture? Is there an air conditioner? Is it in working condition?
These are just a few of the many issues which must be dealt with IN ADVANCE and IN WRITING. You cannot afford to have arguments later over what was said or not said during that brief long distance phone call. There must be a clear and detailed contract which spells out all the details.
But wait a minute! What are terms of the rental? What's included in the price? How long is the lease for? What if they want to leave early or stay longer? Is the rent in shekels or dollars? What happens when the dollar rate goes up or down? Is the apartment fully or partially furnished? What is the condition of the furniture? Is there an air conditioner? Is it in working condition?
These are just a few of the many issues which must be dealt with IN ADVANCE and IN WRITING. You cannot afford to have arguments later over what was said or not said during that brief long distance phone call. There must be a clear and detailed contract which spells out all the details.
