Translation of House Rules and Regulations from English to Hebrew
In most countries abroad, it is much more common than in Israel to have house rules and regulations in addition to those mentioned in the state law. These rules are agreed upon by the condominium tenants, and are meant to cover most situations that may arise, so that homeowners or tenants may live together in peace. Obviously, the relevant state, local, and regional laws apply, as well.
The tradition of written house rules abroad is based on long experience and has become the norm in Western countries. Therefore, it is likely that these rules will be adopted in Israel, as well. However, it is important to make sure that rules adopted from foreign countries (whether from a company renting out real estate or a private contractor planning to immigrate to Israel) comply with Israeli law and are enforceable in Israel. It is recommended to use the help of a lawyer who is experienced in the field, whether before or after translating the foreign rules, and determine which mechanisms and sanctions will be used to resolve disputes.
Our law firm offers translation into Hebrew and vice versa for a variety of documents, including homeowner association (HOA) bylaws, house rules and regulations, and even the state rules of any country, as needed.
Adopting Foreign House Rules and Regulations in Israel
In Israel, house rules and regulations are determined by the HOA board of directors. The purpose of the house rules and regulations is to reduce conflict between tenants, encourage better maintenance, and improve the overall quality of life.
Almost everyone rents an apartment or buys a house at some point in their lives. After moving in, conflicts may arise with the homeowners or new neighbors, and the relationship often becomes strained and fraught with complaints and problems for both parties.
In all the possible scenarios that may arise with the homeowners or neighbors, the house rules and regulations may be crucial.
What Happens if the House Rules Are Violated?
Violating house rules may result in fines.
In addition, failure to take part in maintenance expenses as set forth in the house rules may lead to imposing a penalty on the refusing tenant.
Examples of House Rules and Regulations Adopted in Israel
Safety and Security
- It is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages in the public areas of the condominium or to hold open bottles of such beverages in the common areas. Also, public intoxication is not permitted in the condominium.
- Roller skates, skateboards, and self-balancing scooters (hoverboards) are not allowed inside the condominium.
Cleanliness
- It is forbidden to throw rubbish, cigarette butts, or anything else out the windows.
- Bicycles and carts must be kept outside of the condominium, in the lobby or yard.
- It is forbidden to place trash cans, kitchen equipment, or other items in hallways or stairways; to hang anything from windows or balconies; to place any item on a window sill, shelf, or balcony; or to hang clothes, curtains, or rugs in an area not designated for this purpose in the property.
Smoking
- Tenants and guests shall not smoke or allow smoking in the lobby or yard, in common areas, or on the roof. Smoking is not allowed within the area of the condominium and in the common areas or any other part of the condominium. The HOA board of directors has the right to designate the condominium as a “No Smoking” structure.
Nuisance
- A tenant shall not make or allow improper noises, or a noise that may disturb others in one way or another.
- It is forbidden to make noise after 21:00.
- It is forbidden to make noise between 14:00 and 16:00 without prior notice.
- Any other activity that may be a nuisance violating these rules and regulations is not allowed.
Do These Rules Also Apply to Condominiums?
As mentioned above, Israeli law also stipulates how condominiums should be managed. However, in contrast to local house rules, the State rules regulate issues related to maintenance of the condominium’s private and common property and how they affect each other, such as distributing expenses among tenants, appointing board directors, constructing extensions, converting common elements to private, and managing ongoing maintenance.
Most condominiums in Israel are managed primarily according to the State law, but it is also possible for the HOA board of directors to create house rules that will specify the rights of homeowners in the condominium and the agreements between them. Since these are subject to the real-estate laws of Israel, and since the agreed-upon house rules must be deposited with the Land Registry Department, it is important for them to be translated in accordance with the law.
Condominium Rules Abroad and Management-Company Agreements
In Western countries, too, as in Israel, condominium management involves choosing an HOA, which acts in accordance with agreements such as the Florida Condominium Act or any specified condominium management agreement.
If the common areas of a condominium are managed according to such an agreement, the agreement must be carefully examined before it is signed, since it will later be sent to the Land Registry Department, who will examine it for compliance with the law. These agreements have legal validity, and form a sort of ‘homeowner corporation’ when they are registered. The declaration of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R) is often considered as the homeowners’ “corporate bylaws,” and contains important provisions.
In Western countries, it is already an established practice to engage a management company in implementing the standard or agreed-upon condominium rules. A management company may, for example, ensures that all maintenance work in the condominium is carried out safely and in compliance with all relevant health and safety laws, and in accordance with the condominium house rules.
This has recently also become customary in Israeli condominiums, which may contain between 30 and 60 apartments. It is worthwhile and even desirable to adopt existing English-language contracts, which are already well based on past experience and include management provisions and legal protections that do not exist in standard Israeli management agreements.
Translation of house rules and regulations – Conclusion
Relationships between condominium tenants, management companies, and community are becoming more important than ever. It seems that any standard house rules and management provisions set forth in an agreement require the legal intervention of lawyers knowledgeable in the field. Moreover, it is a good idea to adopt all necessary provisions and protections from foreign agreements.
Our law office offers translation services for house rules, homeowner agreements, and any other official document, as well as editing services so that your document complies with Israeli law and will be accepted by the various departments and authorities. We are fully at your service and will be glad to assist you with any legal concern.
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