Mezuzah When Renting

Mezuzah when Renting in Chutz La?aretz

When renting a house or apartment in Chutz La?aretz (outside of Eretz Yisroel), one is not obligated in the mitzvah of mezuzah until 30 days have passed. However, it has become the custom to affix mezuzos right away for any of the following reasons: even if one isn?t obligated yet to affix mezuzos, he fulfills a mitzvah when he affixes them; according to some opinions, if it?s a long-term rental there is an obligation to affix mezuzos right away; so that the mezuzah should protect the inhabitants from potential harm; or because it?s a spiritual matter not to live in a home without a mezuzah. The proper procedure is to put up mezuzos upon moving in (whether physically or when moving in one?s belongings) without a brachah; after 30 days have passed, one mezuzah is removed from a room that requires a brachah. The mezuzah is given to a sofer to check, and then re-affixed. Preferably, it should be replaced with a more mehudar (enhanced) mezuzah. While making the brachah for putting up this mezuzah, one should have in mind (to include) all the other mezuzos that were put up right after moving in. Following this procedure allows for the spiritual protection of mezuzos on all doors right away, as well as the opportunity to make the brachah after 30 days, as required. 

The above halachah applies only if renting a house or apartment in Chutz La?aretz. However, if renting a home in Eretz Yisroel, or if one moves into their own home even outside Eretz Yisroel, all mezuzos have to be put up right away—with a brachah. #422

https://halacha2go.com?number=422

Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.