The short answer
baba translates a Rental Contract as a PDF (up to 20 pages) or by camera if you only have the printed page, so you can read what it says in your own language.
- An Israeli rental contract sets the rent, the lease term, the deposit or guarantee arrangement, and who is responsible for repairs and renovations. Israeli leases frequently rely on a guarantor (ערב) or a bank guarantee (ערבות בנקאית) in addition to a cash deposit, which surprises many renters coming from markets where that’s uncommon.
- baba does not produce certified, sworn or notarised translations, and makes no claim about what any Israeli institution accepts.
What is a Rental Contract?
Sent by: A private agreement between landlord (משכיר) and tenant (שוכר) — not a government letter, but one of the most consequential Hebrew documents an oleh signs.
An Israeli rental contract sets the rent, the lease term, the deposit or guarantee arrangement, and who is responsible for repairs and renovations. Israeli leases frequently rely on a guarantor (ערב) or a bank guarantee (ערבות בנקאית) in addition to a cash deposit, which surprises many renters coming from markets where that’s uncommon.
What it usually contains
- The parties, the property address, and the lease term (תקופת השכירות)
- Monthly rent and payment method
- Deposit and/or guarantee (ערבות) terms
- Maintenance and renovation (שיפוצים) responsibilities
Hebrew terms and fields olim get wrong
- Not realising a personal guarantor (ערב) is legally on the hook if rent goes unpaid — asking someone to sign as arev is a real financial commitment for them, not a formality.
- Confusing a deposit (פיקדון) with a bank guarantee (ערבות בנקאית); a bank guarantee ties up funds at your own bank rather than handing cash to the landlord.
- Skipping the maintenance/repairs clause, which is where disputes over who pays for what most often start.
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| חוזה שכירות | chozeh sechirut | rental/lease contract |
| משכיר | maskir | landlord |
| שוכר | sochur | tenant |
| דמי שכירות | dmei sechirut | rent |
| ערבות | arvut | guarantee (bank guarantee or personal guarantor commitment) |
| ערב | arev | guarantor |
| פיקדון | pikadon | deposit |
| תקופת השכירות | tkufat hasechirut | lease term |
| אופציה | optzia | renewal option |
| תיקונים | tikunim | repairs |
Deadlines and consequences to watch for
- Notice periods for ending or not renewing a lease are set by the specific contract clause, not by a single uniform rule — read the exact wording and date rather than assuming a default.
- A guarantee or guarantor commitment usually has its own expiry tied to the lease term; renewing the lease can require separately renewing the guarantee.
None of this is legal advice. A rental contract is a binding agreement — a lawyer’s review before signing, especially of the guarantee and exit clauses, is standard practice in Israel, not overkill.
How do I translate my own Rental Contract?
Paper → camera
Photograph the document flat, in even light, with the whole page in frame, and translate the image. Printed official Hebrew, without vowel points, is the easiest case for camera translation.
File or scan → PDF
baba handles PDFs up to 20 pages per document, including scanned pages via built-in OCR — useful for a multi-page contract or a report packet.
PDF translation and camera translation of full documents and images are Pro features, available on a 7-day free trial. The free plan covers typed text: 2,500 characters per month with a free account, and 1,000 as a guest with no login. If you only need to check a phrase or a paragraph you can retype, start with typed-text translation for free; switch to Pro for the full document.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a deposit and a guarantee?
A deposit (פיקדון) is cash held against damage or unpaid rent. A guarantee (ערבות), often a bank guarantee or a personal guarantor (ערב), is a separate commitment — sometimes required in addition to a deposit, not instead of it.
Is a personal guarantor a big commitment?
Yes. Someone who signs as arev (ערב) can be held responsible for unpaid rent if the tenant doesn’t pay. It’s worth translating that clause carefully before asking anyone to sign it.
Should I get a lawyer to review a rental contract in Hebrew?
It’s common practice in Israel and this page recommends it, especially for the guarantee and exit clauses. A translation helps you understand the contract; it doesn’t replace legal review.
Can baba translate a scanned or photographed lease?
Yes — PDF translation for a scanned or emailed lease (up to 20 pages), or camera translation for a printed copy you only have on paper.
Can I translate my questions back to the landlord in Hebrew?
Yes, translate your message into Hebrew before sending it, and keep any clause numbers or amounts from the original contract exactly as written.
What baba does not do
- baba tells you what the document says. A deadline, an appeal, a status decision, or a payment demand still warrants a person who knows the Israeli system — often the sending office itself, or a qualified lawyer, accountant, or advisor.
- baba does not produce certified, sworn or notarised translations, and makes no claim about what any agency, bank, employer, or institution will accept.
- PDF translation covers 20 pages per document; camera translation works best on printed text rather than handwriting.
- The free tier is 2,500 characters per month with a free account, or 1,000 as a guest with no login — enough for a short message, not a full document. See pricing.