Finding an Apartment in Israel: Hebrew Survival Guide

Finding an apartment in Israel can be challenging—especially if you don't speak Hebrew. From navigating rental listings to negotiating lease terms, understanding real estate vocabulary is essential. Whether you're planning aliyah, moving for work, or studying in Israel, this comprehensive guide gives you all the Hebrew you need to find your perfect Israeli home.

From first contact with landlords to signing contracts, you'll learn the vocabulary, phrases, and cultural insights that make apartment hunting in Israel manageable—even in Hebrew.

Quick Note
This guide focuses on long-term rentals. For general business Hebrew, check our Business Hebrew guide.

Israeli Housing Market Overview

Key Characteristics

What makes Israel's market unique:

🏙️ Competitive - Especially in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem
💰 Expensive - Tel Aviv ranks among world's costliest cities
📱 Fast-paced - Good apartments rent within days
🤝 Relationship-based - Personal connections help
📝 Hebrew-dominant - Most listings in Hebrew

Major rental markets:

Tel Aviv - Most expensive, highest demand
Jerusalem - More affordable, diverse neighborhoods
Haifa - Good value, northern city
Be'er Sheva - Affordable, southern hub

Essential Real Estate Vocabulary

Basic Terms

דירה (Dira) - Apartment
בית (Bayit) - House
חדר (Cheder) - Room
שכירות (Schirrut) - Rent/Rental
דמי שכירות (Dmei schirrut) - Rent money
בעל בית/בעלים (Ba'al bayit/Be'alim) - Landlord
שוכר/ת (Socher/Socheret) - Tenant/Renter

Apartment Types

דירת סטודיו (Dirat studio) - Studio apartment
חד חדרי (Chad chadari) - One room (studio)
דו חדרי (Du chadari) - Two rooms (1BR)
תלת חדרי (Tlat chadari) - Three rooms (2BR)
ארבע חדרים (Arba chadarim) - Four rooms (3BR)
חמש חדרים (Chamesh chadarim) - Five rooms (4BR)
פנטהאוז (Penthouse) - Penthouse
גג (Gag) - Rooftop apartment
מיני פנטהאוז (Mini penthouse) - Mini penthouse
דופלקס (Duplex) - Duplex
גן (Gan) - Garden apartment
קרקע (Karka) - Ground floor

Important note: Hebrew counts rooms, not bedrooms! A "3-room apartment" = living room + 2 bedrooms.

Building Features

בניין (Binyan) - Building
קומה (Koma) - Floor
מעלית (Ma'alit) - Elevator
מדרגות (Madregot) - Stairs
כניסה (Knisa) - Entrance
חניה (Chanaya) - Parking
ממ"ד (Mamad) - Safe room/Protected space
מחסן (Machsan) - Storage room
מרפסת (Mirpeset) - Balcony/Porch
גינה (Gina) - Garden
חצר (Chatzer) - Yard
גג (Gag) - Roof/Rooftop

Searching for an Apartment

Online Listings

Major websites:

יד2 (Yad2) - Most popular
מדלן (Madlan) - Real estate portal
הומלס (Homeless) - Rental focus
פייסבוק (Facebook) - Groups

Reading Listings

Typical listing format:

דירת 3 חד' בת"א, קומה 4 עם מעלית
חניה + מחסן + מרפסת
מחיר: 6,500 ש"ח/חודש

Translation:

3-room apartment in Tel Aviv, 4th floor with elevator
Parking + storage + balcony
Price: 6,500 NIS/month

Common Listing Abbreviations

ת"א (TA) - תל אביב (Tel Aviv)
י-ם (Y-M) - ירושלים (Jerusalem)
ק' (K) - קומה (Floor)
חד' (Chad) - חדרים (Rooms)
ש"ח (Shekels) - שקלים (Shekels)
מ"ר (MR) - מטר רבוע (Square meters)
מיידי (Miyadi) - Immediate (availability)
ארנונה (Arnona) - Municipal tax
ו.בית (V.Bayit) - Va'ad bayit (Building fees)

First Contact with Landlords

Initial Call/Message

?שלום, אני מתקשר/ת לגבי הדירה במודעה
(Shalom, ani mitkasher/mitkasheret legabei hadira bamod'a'a?)
Hello, I'm calling about the apartment in the listing

?הדירה עדיין פנויה
(Hadira adayin pnuya?)
Is the apartment still available?

?אפשר לראות את הדירה
(Efshar lirot et hadira?)
Can I see the apartment?

?מתי אפשר להגיע לביקור
(Matai efshar lehagi'a lebikur?)
When can I come for a viewing?

.אני מחפש/ת דירה ל... חודשים/שנים
(Ani mechapes/mechapeset dira le... chodashim/shanim)
I'm looking for an apartment for... months/years

Key Questions to Ask

About the Apartment

?כמה חדרים
(Kama chadarim?)
How many rooms?

?באיזו קומה
(Be'eizo koma?)
Which floor?

?יש מעלית
(Yesh ma'alit?)
Is there an elevator?

?יש חניה
(Yesh chanaya?)
Is there parking?

?כמה מטרים רבועים
(Kama metrim revu'im?)
How many square meters?

?יש ארונות מטבח
(Yesh aronot mitbach?)
Are there kitchen cabinets?

?יש מזגן
(Yesh mazgan?)
Is there A/C?

?הדירה מרוהטת
(Hadira meruhemet?)
Is the apartment furnished?

About Terms & Costs

?כמה השכירות
(Kama haschirrut?)
How much is the rent?

?כלול או לא כלול ארנונה
(Kalul o lo kalul arnona?)
Is municipal tax included or not?

?כלול או לא כלול ועד בית
(Kalul o lo kalul va'ad bayit?)
Are building fees included or not?

?כמה פיקדון
(Kama pikadon?)
How much is the deposit?

?כמה חודשים מראש
(Kama chodashim merosh?)
How many months in advance?

?מתי אפשר להיכנס
(Matai efshar lehikanes?)
When is it available to move in?

?יש תקופת התחייבות מינימלית
(Yesh tkufat hitchayyvut minimalit?)
Is there a minimum commitment period?

At the Viewing

What to Say

.אפשר לראות את כל החדרים
(Efshar lirot et kol hachadarim?)
Can I see all the rooms?

?המטבח מצויד
(Hamitbach metzuyad?)
Is the kitchen equipped?

?השכנים רועשים
(Hashchenim ro'ashim?)
Are the neighbors noisy?

?יש בעיות לחות
(Yesh be'ayot lachut?)
Are there moisture problems?

?כל הדברים עובדים
(Kol hadvarim ovdim?)
Does everything work?

?אפשר לצבוע את הדירה
(Efshar litzbo'a et hadira?)
Can I paint the apartment?

Things to Check

Essential checklist:

✓ מזגנים (Mazganim) - Air conditioners
✓ דוד שמש (Dud shemesh) - Solar water heater
✓ תריסים (Trisim) - Shutters/Blinds
✓ חלונות (Chalonot) - Windows
✓ ברזים (Brazim) - Faucets
✓ שירותים (Sherutim) - Toilets
✓ מקלחת (Miklachat) - Shower
✓ תנור (Tanur) - Oven
✓ כיריים (Kirayim) - Stove
✓ מקרר (Mekarer) - Refrigerator

Negotiating Terms

Price Negotiation

?אפשר להוריד את המחיר
(Efshar lehorid et hamechir?)
Can you lower the price?

.זה קצת יקר מדי בשבילי
(Ze ktsat yakar miday bishvili)
This is a bit too expensive for me

?מה המחיר הכי נמוך שאתה יכול לתת
(Ma hamechir hachi namuch she'ata yachol latet?)
What's the lowest price you can give?

.ראיתי דירות דומות ב...
(Ra'iti dirot domot be...)
I saw similar apartments for...

?אם אקח לשנה, אפשר הנחה
(Im ekach leshana, efshar hanacha?)
If I take it for a year, is a discount possible?

.אני מוכן/ה לשלם...
(Ani muchan/muchana leshalem...)
I'm willing to pay...

Asking for Improvements

?אפשר לתקן את... לפני שאכנס
(Efshar letaken et... lifnei she'ekanes?)
Can you fix... before I move in?

?תוכל לצבוע את הדירה
(Tuchal litzbo'a et hadira?)
Can you paint the apartment?

?אפשר להוסיף מזגן בחדר השינה
(Efshar lehosif mazgan bacheder hashena?)
Can you add A/C to the bedroom?

?תוכל להחליף את הכיריים
(Tuchal lehachlif et hakirayim?)
Can you replace the stove?

Rental Contract Terms

Contract Vocabulary

חוזה שכירות (Choze schirrut) - Rental contract
שוכר/ת (Socher/Socheret) - Tenant
משכיר/ה (Maskir/Maskira) - Landlord
תקופת השכירות (Tkufat haschirrut) - Rental period
דמי שכירות (Dmei schirrut) - Rent
פיקדון (Pikadon) - Deposit
ערבות (Aravut) - Guarantee
ערב (Arev) - Guarantor
הודעה מוקדמת (Hoda'a mukdemet) - Advance notice
הארכה (Ha'aracha) - Extension

Common Contract Clauses

.דמי השכירות ישולמו ב-1 לכל חודש
(Dmei haschirrut yeshalmu be-1 lechol chodesh)
Rent will be paid on the 1st of each month

.הפיקדון יוחזר בתום תקופת השכירות
(Hapikadon yuchzar betom tkufat haschirrut)
The deposit will be returned at the end of the rental period

.השוכר מתחייב לשמור על הדירה
(Hasocher mitchayev lishmor al hadira)
The tenant commits to maintaining the apartment

.אסור להשכיר את הדירה משנה
(Asur lehaskir et hadira mishne)
It's forbidden to sublet the apartment

.הודעה מוקדמת של... חודשים
(Hoda'a mukdemet shel... chodashim)
Advance notice of... months

Understanding Payment Terms

שכירות בסיסית (Schirrut basit) - Base rent
ארנונה (Arnona) - Municipal tax
ועד בית (Va'ad bayit) - Building fees
חשמל (Chashmal) - Electricity
מים (Mayim) - Water
גז (Gaz) - Gas
אינטרנט (Internet) - Internet
הסקה (Hasaka) - Heating

Payment & Deposit

Payment Methods

העברה בנקאית (Ha'avara bankai't) - Bank transfer
צ'ק (Check) - Check
צ'קים דחויים (Chekim dchuim) - Post-dated checks
מזומן (Mezuman) - Cash
הוראת קבע (Hora'at keva) - Standing order

Deposit Negotiation

?כמה חודשים פיקדון
(Kama chodashim pikadon?)
How many months deposit?

?אפשר פיקדון נמוך יותר
(Efshar pikadon namuch yoter?)
Is a lower deposit possible?

?מתי אקבל את הפיקדון בחזרה
(Matai ekabel et hapikadon bechazara?)
When will I get the deposit back?

?הפיקדון מוחזק בנאמנות
(Hapikadon muchzak bene'emanut?)
Is the deposit held in trust?

Moving In & Out

Move-In Process

?מתי אקבל מפתחות
(Matai ekabel maftechot?)
When will I get keys?

?צריך להיות נוכח בביקורת כניסה
(Tzarich lihyot nocheach bivkoret knisa?)
Do I need to be present for move-in inspection?

?יש טופס ביקורת
(Yesh tofes bikkoret?)
Is there an inspection form?

?אפשר לצלם את מצב הדירה
(Efshar letzalem et matzav hadira?)
Can I photograph the apartment's condition?

Move-Out Process

.אני רוצה לעזוב את הדירה
(Ani rotze la'azov et hadira)
I want to leave the apartment

?צריך לתת הודעה מוקדמת
(Tzarich latet hoda'a mukdemet?)
Do I need to give advance notice?

?צריך לצבוע את הדירה לפני היציאה
(Tzarich litzbo'a et hadira lifnei hayetzi'a?)
Do I need to paint before leaving?

?מתי תבדוק את הדירה
(Matai tivdok et hadira?)
When will you inspect the apartment?

?מתי אקבל את הפיקדון
(Matai ekabel et hapikadon?)
When will I get my deposit?

Dealing with Problems

Maintenance Issues

.משהו לא עובד בדירה
(Mashehu lo oved badira)
Something doesn't work in the apartment

.המזגן מקולקל
(Hamazgan mekulkal)
The A/C is broken

.יש בעיה עם השירותים
(Yesh be'aya im hasherutim)
There's a problem with the toilet

.אין מים חמים
(Ein mayim chamim)
There's no hot water

.יש נזילה
(Yesh nezila)
There's a leak

?תוכל לשלוח מישהו לתקן
(Tuchal lishlo'ach mishehu letaken?)
Can you send someone to fix it?

?מתי זה יתוקן
(Matai ze yetukan?)
When will it be fixed?

Disputes

.לא קיבלתי את הפיקדון
(Lo kibalti et hapikadon)
I didn't receive my deposit

.הבעלים לא מתקן בעיות
(Habe'alim lo metaken be'ayot)
The landlord isn't fixing problems

.אני רוצה לצאת מהחוזה
(Ani rotze latzet mehachoze)
I want to exit the contract

?אפשר לדבר עם עורך דין
(Efshar ledaber im orech din?)
Can I speak with a lawyer?

Neighborhoods & Areas

Tel Aviv Neighborhoods

צפון תל אביב (Tzafon Tel Aviv) - North Tel Aviv (expensive)
דרום תל אביב (Darom Tel Aviv) - South Tel Aviv (affordable)
פלורנטין (Florentine) - Trendy, young
נווה צדק (Neve Tzedek) - Historic, expensive
יפו (Yafo/Jaffa) - Mixed Arab-Jewish, gentrifying
רוטשילד (Rothschild) - Central, expensive

Jerusalem Neighborhoods

מרכז העיר (Merkaz hair) - City center
הרחביה (Rechavya) - Central, upscale
טלביה (Talbiya) - Historic, expensive
קטמון (Katamon) - Central, family-friendly
גרמן קולוני (German Colony) - Trendy, cafes

Cultural Tips

Israeli Rental Culture

What to know:

🏃 Act fast - Good apartments go quickly
💰 Cash is king - Having funds ready helps
🤝 Personal connection - Meeting landlord helps
📞 Persistence - Follow up multiple times
🔍 Inspect carefully - Check everything
📝 Everything in writing - Get written agreements

Negotiation Culture

Israeli approach:

Direct and blunt (not rude!)
Everything is negotiable
Stand your ground
Build rapport first
Use comparisons ("I saw cheaper...")
Don't take "no" immediately

Red Flags to Watch For

Warning Signs

❌ No written contract offered
❌ Landlord avoids showing apartment
❌ Suspiciously low price
❌ Request for full-year payment upfront
❌ Poor maintenance, landlord unresponsive
❌ No proper documentation/ownership proof
❌ Pressure to sign immediately
❌ Unclear about included utilities

Your Apartment Hunting Checklist

Before Starting

✅ Budget calculated (rent + utilities + fees)
✅ Deposit funds available
✅ References prepared
✅ Employment proof ready
✅ Guarantor arranged (if needed)

During Search

✅ Multiple viewings booked
✅ Questions list prepared
✅ Neighborhoods researched
✅ Commute times checked
✅ Utility costs investigated

Before Signing

✅ Contract reviewed carefully
✅ All costs clarified
✅ Move-in date confirmed
✅ Inspection completed
✅ Photos taken of condition
✅ Copy of all documents obtained

Essential Resources

Websites & Apps

יד2 (Yad2.co.il) - Primary rental site
מדלן (Madlan.co.il) - Real estate portal
הומלס (Homeless.co.il) - Rentals focus
נדל"ן פייסבוק (Facebook groups) - Community listings

Useful Contacts

רשות המיסים (Tax authority) - For arnona
משרד השיכון (Ministry of Housing) - Housing regulations
לשכת עורכי הדין (Bar association) - Legal help

FAQs

Q: How much deposit is standard in Israel?
A: Usually 2-3 months' rent, sometimes negotiable to 1 month.

Q: Are utilities typically included?
A: Usually not. Arnona and building fees sometimes are, electricity/water usually aren't.

Q: Do I need a guarantor?
A: Often yes, especially for new immigrants or students. Israeli citizen with steady income.

Q: How long is a typical lease?
A: 1 year is standard, but can negotiate 6 months or longer.

Q: Can I break my lease early?
A: Depends on contract. Usually requires 60-90 days notice and may lose deposit.

Q: What if I don't speak Hebrew well?
A: Bring a Hebrew-speaking friend to viewings and contract signing. Many landlords speak some English.

Final Thoughts

Finding an apartment in Israel requires patience, persistence, and practical Hebrew. While challenging, armed with the right vocabulary and cultural knowledge, you can navigate the market successfully and find your Israeli home.

Remember:

🏃 Act quickly - Don't hesitate on good apartments
📝 Everything in writing - Verbal promises don't count
🔍 Inspect thoroughly - Check everything twice
💰 Negotiate firmly - It's expected
🤝 Build rapport - Relationship matters

Next Steps:

Master more practical Hebrew:

🏥 Healthcare: Medical Hebrew guide
💼 Work: Business Hebrew
🚨 Emergencies: Emergency Hebrew
📚 Complete study: 6-month plan

בהצלחה במציאת דירה! (Behatzlacha bimtzi'at dira - Good luck finding an apartment!) 🏠🇮🇱

May you find your perfect Israeli home quickly and at a great price!

Last updated: November 2025
Reviewed by: Israeli real estate professionals and long-term expats
Next update: February 2026 with market trends