Mezuza Question:
When renting a flat in Chutz La’aretz, does one need to wait for a full month before attaching a mezuza to a doorway or can one place one immediately and say a brocha?
Looking forward to your response.
Answer:
If one’s intention is to remain in the flat for more than 30 days, the mezuzah should be affixed immediately upon entry.
Sources: The reason why a flat outside Israel is exempt when renting for less than thirty days (Yoreh De’ah 286:22) is that it is not considered a diras keva. If a person rents for long-term, it is considered a diras keva from day one, and the obligation is immediately incumbent. This is the opinion of Chayei Adam, 15:22; Nachalas Tzvi to 286:22; Ben Ish Chai, year 2, Ki Tavo; and others. Although this position could depend on a dispute between Rashi and Tosafos (Menachos 44a; see Pischei Teshuvah 286:18, based on Tosafos) concerning the status of a person until he has lived in a place for thirty days, one may follow this majority opinion. This is also the ruling given by Rav Moshe Feinstein (Iggros Moshe, Yoreh De’ah 1:179).
