Navigating the process of renting a home in Italy for the first time can feel overwhelming. Numerous questions might arise: Should I consult a lawyer? Are appliances typically included in rentals? How can I discover quality rental properties? Which neighborhoods will best suit my needs? These are just the tip of the iceberg. Dive in for answers to these pressing questions and gain insights from our members who've made Italy their home. Italy, with its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a popular destination for digital nomads and expats from around the world. However, navigating the rental market can be a daunting task, especially for those unfamiliar with the country's real estate practices. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the process of renting an apartment in Italy, from finding a property to signing the lease. How Do You Find a Rental Property in Italy? There are several ways to find rental properties in Italy. Online property portals such as Immobiliare.it, Casa.it, and Idealista are popular and provide a wide range of listings. Local newspapers and real estate agencies are also good sources. Word of mouth can be particularly effective in smaller towns and communities. It's also common to see rental signs on properties, so simply walking around your desired neighborhood can yield results. Does Italy Have an MLS Type System? Italy does not have a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) like in the United States. Instead, each real estate agency has its own listings. This means you may need to contact multiple agencies to see a variety of properties. However, online portals aggregate listings from multiple agencies, making the search process easier. Do Brokers Have Licenses and How Do I Know if They Are Licensed? Yes, real estate agents in Italy must be licensed. They should be registered with the local Chamber of Commerce and hold a certificate of professional qualification. You can ask to see these credentials or check their registration online. Should I Buy or Rent? This depends on your personal circumstances and plans. Renting can offer more flexibility, which is beneficial if you're unsure about your long-term plans. Buying can be a good investment if you plan to stay in Italy for a significant period of time. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming, so it's important to do thorough research and seek professional advice. Is It Difficult to Find Rentals in Italy? Finding a rental in Italy can be challenging, especially in popular cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence. Competition can be high and prices can be steep. However, with patience and persistence, it's certainly possible to find a suitable property. What Documents Are Required When Renting an Apartment? When renting an apartment in Italy, you'll typically need to provide your passport, proof of income (such as pay slips or a job contract), and a tax code (codice fiscale). If you're a non-EU citizen, you'll also need a valid residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). Do I Need a Lawyer When Renting an Apartment in Italy? While it's not mandatory to have a lawyer when renting an apartment in Italy, it can be beneficial, especially if you're not fluent in Italian. A lawyer can review the lease agreement, ensure you understand all the terms and conditions, and advise on any potential issues. Fees can vary, but you should expect to pay around €150-€300 for this service. How Long Is the Typical Lease For? The typical lease in Italy is for four years, with an automatic renewal for another four years (4+4 contract). However, short-term leases (from one month to 18 months) are also available, particularly for furnished apartments. Do I Have to Pay a Deposit? Yes, it's standard practice to pay a deposit when renting an apartment in Italy. This is usually equivalent to two or three months' rent. The deposit is returned at the end of the lease, provided there are no damages to the property. What Other Upfront Costs Are There When Renting? In addition to the deposit, you'll usually need to pay the first month's rent upfront. If you're using a real estate agent, you'll also need to pay their fee, which is typically equivalent to one month's rent. Some landlords may also require a guarantee, either in the form of a bank guarantee or a guarantor. Are Utilities Included? Utilities are typically not included in the rent and are the responsibility of the tenant. This includes electricity, gas, water, and waste disposal. The cost can vary depending on usage and the size of the property, but you should budget around €150-€200 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Are Furnished or Unfurnished Rentals More Popular? Both furnished and unfurnished rentals are common in Italy. Furnished apartments usually include all the necessary furniture, as well as appliances like a refrigerator, stove, and sometimes a washing machine. Unfurnished apartments may not include any appliances, not even a refrigerator or stove. Furnished apartments are often more expensive, but can be a convenient option for short-term stays or for those who don't want to buy their own furniture, said one member living in Italy. NATAD-rtbox Expats Talk about What Type of Housing They Live In We have a large country property with a 200 year-old stone farmhouse on it that we restored. We have a 100% organic 'azienda agricola' with 500 producing olive trees and 250 citrus trees with other ornamental trees and two natural water springs on it. It is heavenly. The other digital nomads and expats in the area are a mix of apartment dwellers and countryside lovers like us (there are just a few of us), said one member living in Catanzaro. Let's say this answer depends A LOT on your budget and where you decide to live in the city. And if you can find something. Bolognesi have found a cash cow with Airbnb, wrote a member in Bologna. Expats Talk about How they Found their Home We used a realtor selected by the company. After looking at around 50 apartments (one deal fell through and we had to start all over again) we were lucky enough to find an apartment in the exclusive old city. We were very fortunate, commented an expat living in Bergamo. My husband and I looked at over 35 apartments before finally finding the right one. We used leasing agents. We lived in a corporate apartment for 3 months and walked around/drove around a lot looking at the buildings and neighborhoods. A lot of the apartments we saw were too dark, the spaces were all cut up into smaller areas, weren't big enough, no elevator available (big consideration when you have small children), etc, said an expat in Rome. We used a Relocation Agent I asked the company to hire. We looked at 15-16 apartments, most of which were terrible. Landlords rent the 4-walls and not much else. Painting, repairs, lighting and installing a kitchen is up to the tenant (Ikea is the most economical for kitchens). We have only 1 car, so it was important to be on/near a public transportation line (excellent, by the way) and close in to the city, remarked one member who made the move to Torino. We chose the hills Percolina/ Colina area, because of the availability of yards for our kids to play outside. Parks in the city were made for kids 5 and under. We have school aged kids. There's one in the Park of Rememberance. Prices for places with yards and 2 family shared homes were about the same as in an apartment buildings we saw in the city. We had to buy a car though. Was very worth it. We were taken around by agents from HomeBase. They were hired by my husband's company, but I would recommend Judy Stein at info@relocationoverseas.it or +39-338-985-1432. Judy is from the US originally and knows the expectations North Americans have for housing. I wish I could have found housing with her instead of HomeBase, explained one member living in Torino. We were desperate as we couldn't find anything to fit our needs so we just took the one we could find. It is not a great fit for us and we have continued to search for another apartment to no avail. Italy is a place where you have to know someone and we are just now finding those connections after 2 years, said one member in Parma.