Renting Property in Israel for Students and Young Professionals | Isra

Renting Apartments in Israel for Students and Young Professionals

For students and young professionals, renting an apartment in Israel is easiest near major university campuses, such as the Technion in Haifa, Ben-Gurion University in Beer-Sheva, or TAU in Tel Aviv. When choosing a home, it is critical to consider not only the base rent but also mandatory additional expenses: municipal property tax (Arnona), building maintenance fees (Vaad Bayit), and the need for an Israeli guarantor to sign the contract.

Popular Student Districts and Housing Types

The youth rental market in Israel is clearly segmented by city. The choice of area depends directly on where you study or work, as well as your willingness to use public transportation (buses or the "Metronit" in Haifa).

Haifa: Technion and University of Haifa

Technion students most often choose the Neve Sha'anan neighborhood. Low-rise buildings predominate here, with many offers for splitting larger apartments into studios. For those studying at the University of Haifa or looking for budget-friendly options, the Hadar neighborhood is suitable, although it is considered noisier and more socially diverse.

Beer-Sheva: The Student Capital

Ben-Gurion University creates a unique ecosystem around itself. The Dalet and Gimel neighborhoods are the epicenter of student life. Housing here ranges from older buildings to modern complexes geared toward young people. Beer-Sheva remains one of the most affordable large cities for renting.

Tel Aviv and Surroundings

For young professionals and TAU students, Ramat Aviv (expensive but close to the university) and Florentin in the south are top priorities. Florentin is famous for its atmosphere, abundance of cafes, and lofts; however, prices here remain among the highest in the country, even for small studios.

Main Expenses When Renting

Real estate portals list only the "net" rent price. To understand the actual cost of living, you need to sum up the following indicators:

• Arnona: Municipal tax based on square footage. Students who provide a certificate from their university can often qualify for a significant discount (up to 80%).
• Vaad Bayit: Fees for maintaining the entrance, elevator, and common areas. In older buildings, the sum is minimal; in new complexes with security and a pool, it can be quite substantial.
• Utilities: Electricity (depends on AC usage), water, and gas.
• Internet and Communications: Standard service package for a student apartment.

Legal Nuances: The Contract and Guarantees

In Israel, the lease agreement (Hoze Sehirut) is the primary document regulating the parties' relationship. Since 2017, the "Fair Rental Law" has been in effect, protecting the rights of tenants.

Guarantees and Deposits

Landlords always require financial guarantees. For students and young people, this often becomes an obstacle if there are no relatives with a stable income in Israel.

1. Cheque Bitachon (Security Check): An undated check that the landlord can only cash in case of contract violations.
2. Bank Guarantee (Arvut Bankait): A frozen amount in the tenant's account. By law, the security deposit cannot exceed the cost of three months' rent or one-third of the total amount for the entire period.
3. Guarantors (Arevim): People (usually two) who sign the contract with you and agree to pay debts if you fail to do so.

Repair Responsibilities

It is important to know that a tenant is not obligated to pay for normal wear and tear of apartment systems. Repairing plumbing, sewage, electrical wiring, and structural elements of the building is the landlord's direct responsibility. The tenant is only responsible for damage caused by their own fault or negligence.

Living with Roommates: The "Shutafim" Format

For many young professionals in Tel Aviv, renting a whole apartment is financially impossible, which is why the shutafim (co-renting) format is popular. This allows you to live in central neighborhoods while splitting the costs of rent, Arnona, and utilities.

When looking for a room with roommates, it is important to:

• Clarify whether you are listed on the main contract or are a subtenant (which requires the landlord's consent).
• Discuss cleaning schedules and rules for using shared areas (kitchen, bathroom).
• Check past utility bills to understand the actual amount of additional payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a home for a student or young professional in Israel is a balance between cost, location, and legal security. Careful contract verification and an understanding of the structure of additional payments will help you avoid unexpected expenses and make the adaptation process as comfortable as possible.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules and taxes may change depending on the municipality and current legislation.

Last updated: 2026-04-06