CHAI Extra Costs to Consider

• Arnona: The annual city property tax based on size of the apartment can range from 3000-6000 NIS per year. It can be paid monthly or yearly. Some students are able to obtain an 80% discount but many are unsuccessful.
• Va’ad Bayit: A monthly fee paid to your building’s committee of residents. This money covers general maintenance of the building and central heating if you have it.
• Agent fee: If you find your apartment through an agent you might be charged an additional month’s rent.
• Washer and dryer: Most apartments don’t have dryers; you’ll need to buy a drying rack if the apartment does not have a window laundry line.
• Heat: Many apartments don’t have central heat. During the winter you will most likely need a space heater which, besides its own cost, will significantly raise your electricity bill.
• Hot water: Be aware of the source of your hot water. In newer buildings, water is solar heated, which cuts down on expenses and is environmentally friendly. If your water is solar heated, you will need to pre-heat it in the winter, on cloudy days and sometimes on summer mornings by flipping the “dud shemesh” switch.
• MOLD is very common in Israel and you will be expected to take care of it yourself (as opposed to calling the landlord, though you can always ask…). Solutions: Leave windows open a crack, even in the winter, and use bleach to wipe down problem areas.​

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Sample Budget
Flight: $1000 round trip
Monthly:
Rent: $750
Utilities: $50
Arnona (apartment city tax): $30
Va’ad bayit (apartment building maintenance fee): $20
Health Insurance ($2.10/day): $63
Phone: $30
Food: $350
Leisure/entertainment: $100
Transportation/travel: $100