The recent wars, “Iron Swords” and “Am K’Lavi,” left behind not only tragic human loss but also significant property damage to buildings across Israel.
Many homeowners and apartment owners found themselves facing a complex reality: cracked walls, damaged ceilings, shattered windows, and in some cases, severe structural damage to the building’s framework.
The Property Tax Authority, operating under the Israel Tax Authority, is responsible for assessing property damage caused by acts of war. Its role is to evaluate the extent of the damage, approve necessary repairs, and determine compensation for property owners based on the level of impact.
However, when there is even the slightest suspicion of structural damage, a report by a structural engineer is mandatory.
The structural engineer is the only certified professional authorised to assess whether structural damage has occurred, determine if the building is safe for occupancy, and outline the necessary steps for secure rehabilitation.
In cases of direct impact or significant blast damage, the structural engineer’s report is not merely a formal requirement of the Property Tax Authority, it is a critical safety document that can ultimately save lives.
When structural damage occurs, the engineer conducts a comprehensive inspection that includes:
Such a report serves as the foundation for the entire process with the Property Tax Authority, both for obtaining approval to carry out restoration work and for receiving financial compensation in accordance with the law.
You must promptly contact the Property Tax Authority (through the Israel Tax Authority’s website) and open an official damage claim file. At this stage, you will be asked to provide initial documentation, such as photographs, the exact location, and identifying details of the property.
The Property Tax Authority assigns a certified structural engineer to inspect the site (or allows the property owner to hire an authorised external engineer, such as B.R.N. Engineering). The engineer assesses whether there is any structural damage that requires immediate action or a decision to evacuate the building.
Once the building is confirmed to be structurally stable, an appraiser from the Property Tax Authority conducts a financial damage assessment. The appraiser determines the compensation amount based on the estimated cost of the required repairs.
If the damage is non-structural, the appraiser may authorise the property owner to hire a private renovation contractor. In cases of structural damage, work may proceed only after the engineer’s report has been submitted and formal approval has been granted by the Property Tax Authority.
Even when the damage appears minor to the naked eye, a small crack in a wall or ceiling may indicate a shift in the foundations or a compromise in the building’s load-bearing capacity.
In many cases, homeowners who tried to save time and money later discovered that the damage was far more extensive than they initially thought and had to cover repair costs themselves, as the Property Tax Authority did not approve compensation retroactively.
A certified engineering report is, in fact, your official protection when dealing with the authorities. A thorough structural assessment ensures peace of mind and guarantees that you receive the full compensation to which you are entitled.
According to recent reports from the Contractors and Renovators Association and various media outlets, the Property Tax Authority has been operating efficiently and providing courteous service.
In minor cases, the approval process and transfer of compensation funds to the bank can be completed within one to ten days.
For more severe damage, the process involves a supervised restoration phase and may take several months to complete.
B.R.N. Engineering, led by structural engineer Michael Langer, provides private clients, homeowners’ associations, and developers with comprehensive professional structural inspections and certified engineering reports for the Property Tax Authority and the courts.
The firm has over 30 years of experience in structural design and supervision across Israel, including stability assessments following missile strikes and earthquakes.
We accompany our clients from the initial inquiry through to the delivery of the approved report, ensuring full transparency, efficiency, and compliance with all Israel Tax Authority requirements.
If your home, apartment, or building was damaged during the fighting, do not rush to make repairs without a certified engineering inspection.
A professional structural engineer’s report is your key to receiving full compensation and ensuring the safe restoration of your property.
Contact B.R.N. Engineering or call us at 050-6785187
to enjoy personalised service, meticulous planning, and full professional support.
You may also be interested in: Engineering Solutions | Engineer’s Approval for Pergolas | Structural Engineer Inspection for Building Modifications