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There are various effective ways to find accommodation in Tel Aviv. It’s important to act quickly: interesting places listed on websites or in newspapers can go within hours. It’s a good idea to visit the area and take that into consideration. Tel Aviv is a rather noisy city so take note of the noise level during both the day and the night.

When you inspect the lodging keep an eye out for signs of water damage such as visible mould, or musty smells. When you take a place it’s always a good idea to take pictures of pre-existing problems, such as wall cracks, broken fixtures, etc. Make sure the contract states clearly who is responsible for repairs of the apartment and of the building.

A flat’s size will be calculated as either Bruto, which means the total size including porches, cupboard space, walls, elevator space, etc. or Netto, which means the actual living area available to you. It would be good to ask the previous tenants how much Arnona (municipal tax) they pay, the average costs of bills like electricity and how much the monthly Vaad Bayit (building maintenance) fee is. Try and find out their reasons for leaving too.

• http://flatshare-israel.com/room-to-rent-tel-aviv.htm
• http://www.roommates-israel.com/index.htm
• http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/TelAvivFlats/

As a new immigrant to Israel you should get to know The Absorption Centre, which is a unique Israeli housing arrangement whereby new immigrants can start their initial absorption process. They have temporary living quarters across the country and offer a supportive framework suited to an immigrants' needs:

• http://www.jewishagency.org/JewishAgency/