Your first month: utilities & bureaucracy
The first month is a small bureaucratic sprint. Here's the sensible order, so you don't inherit a previous tenant's debt or pay for what you shouldn't.
← All renter guidesFirst, document the move-in
Before anything else, photograph the flat's condition and the meter readings (electricity, water, gas). That's what protects your deposit and stops you paying for someone else's usage.
Move-in inspection log →Switch the accounts to your name
Move each account to your name, and check there's no open debt from the previous tenant:
- •Electricity: the utility or a private supplier; take a starting meter reading.
- •Water: through the municipal water corporation.
- •Gas: through the gas company; sometimes needs a scheduled visit.
- •Internet: infrastructure (Bezeq/HOT) + a provider; check fiber availability before committing.
Arnona and registering discounts
Register yourself as the property's occupant at the municipality (usually a lease + ID). Students, soldiers and the recently discharged are entitled to discounts you must apply for. Don't leave them on the table.
How much arnona? in the cost calculator →Va'ad bayit and contents insurance
Find out from the building committee how much to pay and to whom. And consider contents insurance: it's relatively cheap and covers your things; structure insurance is the landlord's responsibility, not yours.