Do landlords in Israel have the right to raise the rent however much they want?

Question

When our lease is up, our landlords would like to raise next year's rent significantly. Are we protected by any renter's laws?

Answer 1

In general, yes. Once a standard lease is up (as in many states around the world), a landlord is legally entitled to raise the rent. However, to ascertain the facts in your specific case, call a branch of Sherut YeUtz LaEzrach (the Citizen Rights Bureau) http://shil.shil.info/  in your area. Make a free appointment with one of their advisors, and bring your lease with you.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Your landlord cannot increase the rent unless the lease gives him that right. Usually a raise in rent is dealt with in the option to renew clause. Sometimes the rent will be increased by a percentage and sometimes by a set amount agreed by the parties in advance. If the lease does not mention a rent increase, then the rent stays the same.