Home and renting
Contract types, deposit, what to do after signing and how to avoid scams.
Types of contract
4 + 4 · open rent
Lasts 4 years and renews automatically for 4 more. Owner and tenant agree the price.
3 + 2 · agreed rent
Lasts 3 years plus 2. Rent follows local agreements and is usually lower.
Short-term
1 to 18 months, only for a temporary reason written in the contract (e.g. seasonal work).
For university students
6 to 36 months, for students at a university in a different town.
Before signing
- Visit the flat in person before paying anything.
- The contract must be written and signed by both of you: never just verbal.
- The deposit can't be more than 3 months' rent and must be returned to you, with interest.
- Ask how much building charges and utilities cost (power, gas, water, waste).
- Take photos of the flat and furniture on the day you move in.
After signing
- The landlord must register the contract with the Agenzia delle Entrate within 30 days: ask for a copy of the registration.
- If you're not an EU citizen, whoever houses you must tell the Questura (or town hall) within 48 hours: ask for a copy, it's often needed for your permit.
- With the contract you can register your residence at the town hall.
- Always pay by bank transfer or ask for a signed receipt for every payment.
Watch out for scams
- Price much lower than other ads in the area.
- The owner is «abroad» and asks for money before showing you the flat.
- They ask for payment by top-up cards, Western Union or crypto.
- They ask for photos of your documents before even talking to you.
- They offer residence «for a fee» at an address where you don't live: it's illegal.
Useful offices near you
Tenants' unionSUNIA, SICET, UNIAT: they check your rental contract and help with landlord problems.
Search Google Maps near you
What to bring
- Rental contract
- Payment receipts
- Messages or letters from the landlord
What to ask
- «Potete controllare il mio contratto d'affitto?» (Can you check my rental contract?)
Town hall – Registry office (Anagrafe)Residence, ID card, certificates. Many town halls also have a desk for foreigners.
Search Google Maps near you
What to bring
- Passport and residence permit (or receipt)
- Codice fiscale
- Registered rental contract or hospitality declaration
What to ask
- «Vorrei prendere la residenza.» (I'd like to register my residence.)
- «C'è uno sportello per stranieri?» (Is there a desk for foreigners?)
Agenzia delle Entrate (tax agency)Codice fiscale, duplicate card, taxes.
Search Google Maps near youOfficial site: agenziaentrate.gov.it
National phone800 90 96 96from a landline, free06 97 61 76 89from a mobile+39 06 45 47 04 68from abroad
What to bring
- Passport or ID document
- Residence permit or receipt, if you have one
- Form AA4/8 filled in (on the website or at the office)
What to ask
- «Vorrei il codice fiscale.» (I'd like a codice fiscale.)
- «Serve l'appuntamento?» (Do I need an appointment?)
Addresses open in Google Maps, so they're always up to date. Before going, check the opening hours and whether you need an appointment.
Words to know
Tap a word to hear how it's pronounced.
affittorentinquilinotenantproprietariolandlorddisdettanoticecaparradown payment
General information, updated October 2026. For your case, always check with the relevant office.