Evicting a Non-Paying Tenant in Israel - The Legal Process
A landlord may not evict a tenant on their own - changing the lock, cutting electricity, or removing belongings is prohibited and can expose the landlord to a lawsuit. The lawful route is filing an eviction claim in court, which has an expedited track, alongside enforcing security (cheques, promissory note, guarantor) to collect the debt.
Step 1 - written demand
Before starting proceedings, send the tenant a demand letter detailing the debt, giving a short window to pay, and stating intent to evict and sue. Keep proof of delivery - the court will require it.
Step 2 - eviction claim
There is a dedicated "eviction of leased premises" track in the Magistrate's Court, designed to be faster than a regular claim - it focuses only on the eviction question and limits interim proceedings. The landlord files a statement of claim, the tenant has 30 days to file a defence, and the court sets a hearing within 30 days of the last defence date. If an eviction judgment is granted and the tenant does not leave, it is enforced via the Enforcement and Collection Authority.
The eviction claim is a separate proceeding from a monetary claim - it does not include collecting the debt, which is claimed separately (or by enforcing the security). Do not confuse it with a small-claims court case.
Step 3 - collecting the debt and enforcing security
This is where the security required in the contract comes in: cashing security cheques, submitting a promissory note for enforcement, and turning to the guarantor. The better the security was drafted upfront, the faster collection is. See our articles on lease security and on guarantors.
The monetary debt (separate from the eviction) can be claimed in small-claims court if the amount does not exceed ₪39,900 (the ceiling as of 1 January 2026), with no lawyer needed and a low filing fee. Larger amounts are claimed in the regular court.
What you must not do
Do not change the lock, cut electricity/water, enter the apartment without permission, or remove the tenant's belongings. "Self-help eviction" is an offence and can turn the landlord into the party breaking the law, even if the tenant owes money.
Frequently asked questions
How do you evict a tenant who is not paying rent?
Send a demand letter, and if unpaid file an eviction claim in court (an expedited track). After an eviction judgment, enforce it via the Enforcement and Collection Authority. You may not evict on your own.
Can you change the lock or cut electricity for a non-paying tenant?
No. "Self-help eviction" - changing the lock, cutting electricity or water, removing belongings - is prohibited and can make the landlord the one breaking the law, even if the tenant owes money.
How do you collect the debt from the tenant?
By enforcing the contract's security: cashing security cheques, submitting a promissory note for enforcement, and turning to the guarantor. The monetary debt, separate from the eviction, can be claimed in small-claims court if it does not exceed ₪39,900 (as of 2026) without a lawyer.