Purchased an Apartment with Mezuzahs of a Different Custom
Question
We purchased an apartment from G-d-fearing people, and there are mezuzahs there. The mezuzahs are according to the custom of the Sephardic communities, and we are Ashkenazim. Are we required to replace them? And if so, are we obligated to return the mezuzahs to the previous owners?
Answer
Shalom and blessings,
A. According to the Mishnah Berurah, there is a concern regarding the kashrut of certain letters in the Sephardic script (and ali"sh), therefore an Ashkenazi should use mezuzahs written in the Ashkenazi script (Beit Yosef) only. However, a Sephardi can use mezuzahs written in the "Beit Yosef" script.
B. There is uncertainty about the ownership of the mezuzahs, and the rule follows the one who is in possession. Therefore, if the buyer has already moved into the apartment, he can leave the mezuzahs there.
With blessings for a good settlement,