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Most accommodation for rent is private but a proportion is owned by the local
authorities. Rents vary from area to area and from region to region: they are
higher in tourist areas and in old city centres. You can find information on
houses to rent or buy in local classified advertising papers or by looking in
estate agents. Nowadays it is also a good idea to look on the internet. Word of
mouth works well in small places and you can find satisfactory accommodation by
asking around in shops, bars etc.
Free market rents are very high and you need
to go a long way out of town and city centres to find reasonable prices. The
cost of tenancies is set by law; this is referred to as equo canone (fair rent
rules). Usually, rental contracts are for a long period, renewed every four
years. It is also possible to make private arrangements with landlords
concerning rents. Agreements must always be stipulated in writing and registered
with the Ufficio delle Entrate [tax office]
When buying a property, you must
consult a notary public to verify the terms and conditions of sale, and to
stipulate the purchase agreement. As soon as you have signed your rental
agreement, it is advisable to contact all the utility companies supplying
electricity, gas and telephone services because the waiting times for such
services range from 15 days to one month. Notify the local Anagrafe [public
records office] of your domicile or residence as soon as possible after signing
the rental agreement.
Text last edited on: 02/2007
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2005
Reproduction is authorised.
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