Just ring twice: Law and society under the rent control regime in Israel, 1948-1954

During the early 1930s a regulatory regime on the rent market was enacted in Mandatory Palestine. Although it was promulgated under specific circumstances and was to remain in effect for a limited period, it remained in force until 1954, due to a variety of economic, political and social factors. The unique circumstances of Israel's formative years intensified the far-reaching social and economic effects of the regulation. At the same time, the judicial system that oversaw the regulation during this period was beset by a variety of administrative and organizational problems. Although the authorities realized that there was an urgent need to replace the Mandatory arrangements, it was only in 1954 that new legislation was enacted, when a number of developments such as the rise of the General Zionists Party, the new economic policy, and deep changes in public opinion led to the annulment of the Mandatory laws.