The good apartment goes to whoever comes ready. Let's make that you.
In the Tel Aviv-area market a good flat is gone in a day. Whoever shows up ready — securities understood, documents in hand, guarantors lined up — signs. Everyone else loses it. Here's the prep, from your side.
The law caps the total of securities that cost you money (cash deposit, bank guarantee) — enter the rent and lease length to see the ceiling. A demand beyond it is your right to refuse.
The lower of 3 months' rent or one-third of the total lease rent — under the Fair Rental Law.
A security check, a guarantor and a promissory note that don't cost you money aren't bound by this cap.
Your deposit rights →The security types — and what's good for you
- Cash depositcounts toward cap
A sum the landlord holds until the lease ends and returns minus proven damages.
Costs you money, so it counts toward the legal cap. Get a receipt and the return terms in writing.
- Bank guaranteecounts toward cap
The bank issues a guarantee to the landlord — usually freezing credit or charging a fee.
Convenient for the landlord but costs you (fee / frozen credit). It also counts toward the cap.
- Security checknot capped
A postdated check given to the landlord, not cashed unless you breach.
Usually it doesn't "cost you money," so it isn't bound by the same cap. Just don't sign an open amount.
- Guarantor(s)not capped
A person (often a salaried relative) who signs and is liable if the tenant doesn't pay.
One guarantor is the norm. Make sure liability is capped in time and amount — an unlimited guarantee is an unusual demand.
- Promissory notenot capped
A signed debt undertaking, sometimes with guarantors, enforceable on breach.
On its own it doesn't cost money, but check the amount and who it binds before signing.
What to bring to sign fast
- ✓ID card / passport
- ✓3 recent payslips (or income proof if self-employed)
- ✓Employment confirmation / employer letter
- ✓Guarantor(s) lined up in advance + their details
- ✓The deposit amount liquid and ready to transfer
- ✓Your viewing questions ready (the viewing kit)