Guide for New and Visiting Faculty

C H A P T E R F O U R
HOUSING
Before arriving, you are advised to make accommodation arrangements through your host. We offer a
few tips and words of advice, in the hope of avoiding misunderstandings and disappointments.
Finding Housing
The Adviser's Office will provide you with listings registered in their office and can offer general
advice. If you require hotel accommodations, at least initially, it is advisable to book through your
own travel agent before you leave home, as there is a great range of package deals available abroad.
Alternatively, you could book bed & breakfast lodgings directly; see e-mail addresses below.
Accommodation for a full academic year is easier to find during the summer or at the beginning of the
academic year, in September-October. It is more difficult, and likely to be more expensive, in the
middle of the academic year or for short-term rentals. There is limited rental housing available through
the University, furnished or unfurnished, and we rely mainly on University or government personnel
who go on sabbatical leave or duty abroad, usually taking their families with them. Because of school
and other considerations, this is usually at the beginning of the academic year, or during the summer.
Check out the University web site (www.huji.ac.il) under "Services," for what is available.
Visitors to the Institute of Advanced Studies should consult with the Institute, as special arrangements
may be available to them.
Another useful address is Ma'agar Meda (literally, "database"), at 5 Dorot Rishonim Street, Tel.:
6253728; 1-700-501555; Fax: 6255424; www.999.co.il (in Hebrew).
Bed & Breakfast accommodations providers include:
The Home Accommodation Association of Israel: www.bnb.co.il
Good Morning Jerusalem, E-mail: gmjer@netvision.net.il; Tel.: 6233459;
www.accommodation.co.il
Another useful site is: www.virtual.co.il/travel/bnb
When you have found a suitable apartment (from the housing list provided, or from other sources, such
as classified ads, computerized listings of rental agencies available for a one-time fee, or real estate
agents), contact the owner and negotiate directly with him/her. That way, you can iron out any
problems and clarify exactly what you need to bring with you. It is worth recruiting your colleagues'
assistance on this score.
Renting a Furnished Apartment
The average monthly rental is relatively high, with prices dependent on location and number of rooms.
Note that rents are usually quoted in dollars, and payment is generally made in the shekel equivalent.
When listing the number of rooms, Israelis count living room plus bedrooms, but not kitchen,
bathrooms or balconies. Make sure in advance exactly what the terms of rental cover, and have this
entered in your lease (hozeh, or contract). A detailed inventory should be made of the furniture and
contents, noting in particular the condition of the apartment and fixtures. Damaged, soiled or broken
items should be indicated in the inventory, which should be signed by both parties.
You may wish to negotiate a special clause in your lease which will cover premature termination of the
lease for reasons of force majeure (illness, war, etc.).
If at all possible, do not rent an apartment sight unseen! Try to find a colleague or friend here who
knows you and can select an apartment for your needs and specifications. Even seeing a draft floor