Apartment Tips

Choosing a neighborhood

The following are pleasant residential neighborhoods convenient to Pardes:

• Talpiot (the neighborhood in which Pardes is located)
• Arnona
• Baka
• Mekor Haim
• German Colony
• Katamon

A bit farther away are:

• Kiryat Shmuel
• Talbiyeh
• Rehavia

Emap has an English tab and you can look up the address and see where a property is located.

Other expenses to expect in addition to rent:

• Va'ad habayit fee (house maintenance)
• Arnona (city property tax)
• Utilities are extra.

Note: Many landlords insist on receiving rent in advance for short-term rentals, which may include a set amount for utilities. For longer term contracts (usually one year), landlords often insist on three to six months payment at a time.

Things to consider when looking for an apartment:

• Expect to pay $400-$600 per month not including utilities
• Clarify if the rent is in shekels or dollars and whether the rate is fixed or linked to the bank rates
• Apartments are described in number of total rooms - not bedrooms
• Is there a phone?
• Is there a solar water heater (not vital, but convenient and money-saving, especially in the summer)?
• How, and how many hours a day, is the apartment heated?
• What is the condition of appliances, furnishings, water heater, plumbing and electricity?
• Is a damage deposit required?

Part of having a great year at Pardes is being able to have a good living experience in an apartment in Jerusalem. But before signing a lease and/or moving in with a roommate/s, it is important to be very clear about all the conditions of the rental: what the landlord is responsible for and what you are responsible for financially. If possible, ask for references - names of former tenants or room-mates - people who you can approach and ask about the apartment in general and the landlord/room-mate in particular.

Concierge Service

For people for would like special assistance, Pardes works with an experienced tourist service company which can provide:

• A short-term furnished apartment in Jerusalem

• A stocked fridge for your apartment upon arrival

• Car-rental

• V.I.P. airport pickup with no hassle at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport

• A cellular phone available at the airport upon arrival, with the phone number issued to your family or office in the USA before you leave for Israel

• Communication services, fax or computer use arranged in advance

• Your kids registered in advance of your arrival in summer camps, travel programs, museum classes, sports and swim centers

• A housekeeper or babysitter arranged in advance of your arrival in Israel

• Tours, experienced family guides and travel accommodations

• Concert tickets or special passes in advance to the cultural events which occur during your visit to Israel before they are sold out

For further information, please request concierge services from info@pardes.org.il.