Smoking Policies in Israeli Real Estate: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants
Smoking is a significant factor in the Israeli rental market and is also a consideration for buyers purchasing apartments in multi-family buildings.
For Landlords and Property Sellers:
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Marketing a “No Smoking” Property: Clearly stating “לא למעשנים” (No Smokers) or “דירה ללא עישון” (Non-Smoking Apartment) in your listing is a major selling point for a large portion of the market.
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Creating a Smoking Policy: In a rental contract, you can and should include a clause that specifies the smoking policy. Be clear whether smoking is prohibited entirely on the premises or restricted to outdoor areas like a balcony.
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Impact on Sale Value: While harder to enforce after a sale, a property that has been smoke-free will present better to potential buyers, as the smell of stale smoke can be a major deterrent and is very difficult to remove.
For Tenants and Homebuyers:
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Searching for a Non-Smoking Property: Be explicit with your real estate agent about this requirement. When viewing a property, be alert for signs of smoking, such as odor, yellowed ceilings, or ash trays.
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Smokers Seeking a Property:
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Be Honest: Disclose that you are a smoker to avoid issues later.
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Highlight Positive Features: Focus on properties with large balconies (“mirpeset”), rooftop terraces (“gag”), or private gardens (“gina”). This shows the landlord you intend to be considerate.
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Building Regulations (Va’ad Bayit): When buying an apartment, be aware that while the Va’ad Bayit (building committee) cannot prohibit you from smoking inside your own apartment, they can enact rules regarding smoking in common areas like the lobby, elevator, and stairwells. Disputes can also arise if your smoke significantly impacts your neighbors.
Clearly defining and communicating smoking preferences and policies is essential for a smooth rental or sales process in Israel.
