What Is the Standard Security Deposit When Renting an Apartment in Israel?

When renting an apartment in Israel, it’s common for the landlord to ask for some form of financial security that can protect them in case of unpaid rent, outstanding bills, damages, or a breach of contract. While it’s a standard part of the rental process, there are clear legal limits—and knowing them can help you avoid unfair demands or misunderstandings.

To protect your rights as a tenant, make sure that whatever is agreed upon is written clearly in the rental contract, including under what circumstances the landlord can use the security deposit, when they must return it, and how the refund will be processed (e.g., bank transfer, check). In addition, always ask for a signed receipt when handing over a deposit of any kind. This can protect you if there’s a dispute about whether the deposit was paid or how it should be returned.

What forms of security are commonly requested?

There are several types of security common in rental agreements, and landlords may ask for a combination of more than one—for example, a security check plus a guarantor. The most frequently used types of security are:

• Security check (shek bitachon): This is a postdated or undated check that the landlord may deposit if there is a breach of contract. You can write on the back of the check that it cannot be deposited without written notice, which offers some legal protection.
• Bank guarantee (arevut bankait): This is a formal guarantee issued by your bank that usually applies to higher-value rentals. It’s more secure for landlords, but may come with fees or conditions for tenants.
• Cash deposit (pikadon mezuman): This can either be held by the landlord or—more securely—placed in a joint or escrow account, with clear terms for return at the end of the lease.
• Guarantor (arev): This is someone, often a relative or close friend, who agrees to be financially responsible if you breach the lease. The guarantor typically signs the rental agreement.
• Promissory note (shtar chov): This is a document you sign promising that you’ll pay rent. If you don’t, the landlord can use the note to demand payment from you or your guarantors or to open a court case.

How much security can a landlord legally ask for?

Under Israeli law, a landlord can request a security deposit of up to the lower of one-third of the total rent for the lease period or three months’ rent. This limit is set by the Fair Rent Law, which is designed to protect tenants from being asked for excessive guarantees. It is mandatory and cannot be waived—even by written agreement. Thus, for example, if you sign a one-year lease at ₪6,000 per month, the landlord may legally request a maximum deposit of ₪18,000, which equals three months’ rent.

In practice, landlords typically ask for a deposit or other form of guarantee ranging from one to three months’ rent.

Remember that landlords may demand a higher deposit when renting to a company or organization, a foreign worker or student who is not an official resident, or for short-term or holiday rentals.

When is the security deposit returned?

Once your lease ends and you return the apartment in good condition and pay all outstanding bills, the landlord must return the deposit or cancel the security documents within “a reasonable timeframe.” While not explicitly defined by law, this is usually considered 30-60 days. If any money is withheld—for unpaid rent, bills, damage, or cleaning—it must be explained and documented.

If your landlord refuses to return the deposit without justification, you can take the matter to a small claims court, which handles disputes of up to ₪34,000. These cases are relatively fast and inexpensive to file. You may also be able to get support from legal aid organizations or tenant advocacy groups.