Mezuzot in a Home Rented from a Non-Observant Jew
Question
Hello, Rabbi,
1. I am going to rent an apartment from a non-observant Jew, and it has mezuzot. Do I have some time to replace them with mehudar mezuzot, or do I need to do it immediately?
2. And may I replace them again at the end of the rental period?
Thank you very much.
Answer
Hello and blessings,
1. Check the mezuzot. If they are kosher but not mehudar, you may delay.
In most cases they are actually invalid, and then there is an obligation to put up kosher mezuzot immediately.
2. A person is forbidden to take the mezuzot and leave the house, and there is also danger involved in this.
Therefore, if it becomes clear that the mezuzot the landlord left are invalid, you may not switch them back when you leave.
But if they are kosher, you may replace your mehudar mezuzot with the landlord’s mezuzot a few days before you leave.
