Hey all,

Getting the Arnona student discount can be quite a confusing procedure. The following document attempts to explain it as clearly as possible but questions always arise… ask us if things aren't clear.

What is Arnona?

Arnona is a municipal tax payed to the local authority by all the residents and businesses in its area, and is determent by the size of the property, its localization and purposes (house vs. business).

How can I pay it?

Arnona can be paid via internet (www.citypay.co.il), post office, telephone (1-800-200155 or 08-6206511) or in the city halls Arnona offices (Hadasa st. 78).

Does it have to be on my name in order for me to pay it?

No. You can pay the arnona no matter on whose name is on it as long as you have the bill needed to be paid. Note that you have to change the Arnona to be in your name because it says so in your house lease and because you will not receive a discount if you won't change it.

What is the student discount?

The student discount is a 50% discount on the Arnona given to the students by the city hall to make life a bit easier. It is valid from the beginning of your house lease to the end of it, usually a period of 1 year. It is given only for students and not to their spouses unless they are students as well. It is calculated according to how many people are signed on the lease and which of them is a student. So for example if you are 3 roommates signed on the lease and only two of which are students, they will get 50% off of their share of the Arnona and the third one will pay 100% of his share, all together it will be a discount of 33%. If you are a couple, both signed on the lease, and only one is a student you will get 50% off of his/hers share, meaning 25% off all together. If you are 3 roommates and only one is signed on the lease, and he/she is a student you will get 50% off of all the Arnona's amount. Bottom line- you get a discount for your relative share.

How do I get the student discount?

In order to get the discount there are a few documents that you'll need to give the Arnona offices. You have 2 options for how to give them these docs:

1- Wait till November-December (a month after Israeli students start their school year) and give the docs to the Arnona representatives that come to the university for that purpose. It is quite comfortable and that way you'll know you brought everything that is needed.

2- Go to the Arnona offices yourself (Hadasa st. #78) or send it to them by fax or email (Fax: 08-6206491 email: mokedg@br7.org.il). The title of your email should be: Arnona discount for students, with your names and passport numbers.In Hebrew: "בקשה להנחה בארנונה לסטודנטים" + names and passports. I recommend a phone call to check if they got everything and there are no problems. This way you won't have to wait until November but it can be quite a hassle.

The documents which are needed for the discount are:

Form of the request for the Arnona discount (find here- http://www.bgu4u.co.il/download/files/ %20%281%29 לסטודנט %20 הנחה .doc )

Photo copy of the signed lease Photo copy of the property's owner ID + voucher (in Hebrew it is sefach or ספח). Photo copy of passport of the relevant students (the ones who are signed on the

lease) A study approval for this school year (Go to

http://bgu4u.bgu.ac.il/html/personal_info/ and fill in your details then click ׳אשר׳.

Click on the two right links that say תדפיס רישום לקורסים and תדפיס אישור(.and print them לימודים

A printed copy of your classes timetable A lawyer's statement that you do not work (only for students who are not working)

**Note that sometimes the person whom you've signed the lease with is not the owner of the property but had been given authority to deal with property issues by the owner. In this case you'll need a written authorization signed by the property's owner saying that an authorization had been given to ???. Ask your land lord, they will probably know what to do. In addition you'll also need an ID photo copy of the person whom you've signed the lease with.

All the students who are signed on the lease and are asking for the discount need to bring all of these documents in order to get the discount.

If you give all the forms after 2014 have started you will not get the retroactive discount for the months of 2013.

How do I get this lawyer statement?

When the Arnona representatives come to the university a lawyer comes as well. You'll need to bring him/her a printed 'lawyer statement' form, a passport and a student ID. The lawyer will ask you if you are not working and will sign the form, which then you'll have to give, along with the rest of the forms stated above, to the Arnona reps.

If you do not want to wait till November you can make an appointment with the university's lawyer through the student unions offices (08-6472340).

What if I get the student discount after I already paid Arnona without the discount for a few months?

If you paid the whole amount for a few month before getting the student discount you will not have to pay 2-3 of the next Arnona bills until the amounts will offset. You should check with the Arnona offices until what month you don't have to pay. They will continue sending you bills even for the months which you don't have to pay so you have to keep track which are 'false bills' and which you already need to pay.

What happens if I don't pay the Arnona?

This is highly not advisable. If you don't pay interest will start piling up and after some time 'Hotzaa Lapoal' will come and sequester your property.

What happens with old debts that are not mine?

You are registered as holding the property only from the beginning of your lease. Old debts from old tenants will stay on their name and will not be transferred to you.

What Should I do when I leave the apartment?

When you leave the apartment it is your responsibility to notify the city hall about it in writing using the right form (ask the liaison). You can send it by fax to- 08-6206491 or by email- mokedg@br7.org.il or go to their offices.