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 guidesDocument move-in — first of all
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 — 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.