Rental Guarantor (Arev) Requirements for Olim: Step-by-Step 2026 Guide
Israeli landlords require guarantors (arevim) to back rental contracts, but olim without local guarantors have legal alternatives including bank guarantees and advance rent strategies.
What Is a Guarantor (Arev) in Israeli Rental Law?
Guarantors are usually Israeli citizens (often family members) who agree to take financial responsibility if the tenant cannot fulfill their obligations, serving as a backup in case tenants default on rent or damage the property. In Hebrew, a guarantor is called an arev (ערב), and the Israeli rental agreement (Heskem Haschirut) typically specifies guarantors and the extent of their financial responsibility.
Most landlords require a guarantor, especially for foreign renters or young tenants. For new olim, this creates a real barrier: you likely do not have an Israeli family member or close contact willing to sign, and you lack a local credit history.
Why Landlords Demand Guarantors for New Olim
Without guarantors, landlords may perceive a higher risk, especially if the tenant is new to the country or has a short rental history. The rental market in Israel is competitive, and landlords use guarantors as legal protection against non-payment or property damage.
Landlords often require substantial guarantees to secure the contract and the apartment, especially for tenants who are new Olim (immigrants to Israel) without local income. This is not a barrier unique to olim—it is standard practice—but olim face it without a local network to back them.
Four Guarantor Routes: Costs and Feasibility
Israeli law recognizes multiple forms of security, each with different financial and practical implications:
| Guarantor Type | What It Is | Cash Locked at Move-In | Feasibility for Olim | Legal Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Israeli Guarantor (Arev) | Israeli citizen who signs contract alongside you | 3 months' rent (deposit only) | Very low—most olim lack this option | Highest landlord preference |
| Bank Guarantee (Aranut Bankait) | Bank freezes or reserves funds in your account | 2–3 months' rent frozen in account | Medium—requires Israeli account first | Legally binding, widely accepted |
| Third-Party Guarantee Service | Rental-guarantee firm backs lease for you | Typically ₪2,000–5,000 upfront fee (non-refundable) | Medium—growing option for olim | Accepted by olim-friendly landlords |
| No Guarantor + Advance Rent | Pay 3–6 months' rent upfront instead | 9 months' rent (3 month deposit + 6 month advance) | High—no local contacts needed | Negotiable; cash-heavy for tenant |
| No Guarantor + Maximum Deposit | Pay 3 months' rent as deposit only | 3 months' rent (deposit only) | Medium—requires transparency with landlord | Legal deposit cap; landlord may refuse |
The financial gap is significant. On the national average rent of about NIS 4,879 per month (CBS, Q2 2025), the guarantor route locks 3 x 4,879 = NIS 14,637, while the foreigner route at the heavy end (deposit plus six months advance) locks 9 x 4,879 = NIS 43,911, an additional cash difference of about NIS 29,274. This is real money you will not have access to until lease end.
How Bank Guarantees Work for Olim in 2026
The bank issues a guarantee by either freezing the specified amount in your account or charging a higher fee without any deposit. This is a legitimate Israeli banking product and is legally binding to the landlord.
The process: (1) Open an Israeli bank account as soon as you land. (2) Deposit 2–3 months' rent. (3) Request a bank guarantee (aranut bankait) from your bank branch. (4) Provide the guarantee letter to the landlord. (5) The bank holds the funds but you do not physically hand them over—the guarantee is the contract security.
Bank guarantees take 3–7 working days to issue. Plan ahead: if your lease starts on the 1st of the month, arrange the guarantee by the 25th of the prior month. A bank guarantee specifically needs an Israeli account to freeze the collateral, so it is off the table until your account exists. If you are arriving without an account, this route delays your rental process by at least one week.
Third-Party Guarantor Services: A Growing Alternative for Olim
Companies now exist in Israel that offer rental guarantees as a service. They back your lease with the landlord using their own capital, charging you an upfront fee (typically ₪2,000–5,000, non-refundable). This fee is lower than advance rent at the high end and does not lock up ongoing capital.
Olim-friendly landlords increasingly accept these services, particularly in Anglo neighborhoods and through platforms like Yad2 and Facebook groups for olim housing. The service removes the
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Solly Marks is an Israeli publisher, media buyer, and experienced oleh writing practical aliyah guides for English-speaking Jews worldwide. AliyaToday covers real costs, bureaucratic steps, money-saving tips, and life in Israel — everything you need to make a successful aliyah.