Blog
How to Negotiate Rent in Rome – The Smart Way
If you’re looking for a rental property in Rome, you may be wondering whether rent is negotiable. The realistic answer is: sometimes, but rarely in the way you might expect. In the current Roman rental market, particularly in central and well-connected areas, asking...
Codice Fiscale Explained: How to Get One and Why You Need It to Rent in Italy
If you’re planning a new life in Italy, one of the first administrative requirements you will encounter is the codice fiscale. This is an essential personal identifier used throughout the Italian legal and administrative system. Without it, you’ll find it impossible...
Italian Rental Deposits: Understanding Your Rights
In Italy, tenants are commonly required to pay a security deposit (deposito cauzionale, also known as the caparra) when signing a rental contract. This deposit protects the landlord against unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear and is governed by Italian...
How To Register Your Lease In Italy (and Why It’s so Important)
Moving to, studying in, or working in Italy often means entering into a rental agreement (contratto di locazione). Italy requires that such lease agreements be formally registered with the national revenue authority, the Agenzia delle Entrate, within strict legal...
How to Get Around Rome: Ticket Options Explained
Confusion about how to use (and above all, pay for) public transport in Rome abounds on social media. Every day there seems to be another story about a hapless tourist being fined for unknowingly violating the rules. However, ignorance is no defence and the ATAC...
How To find Your People In Rome
When I first moved to Rome, the internet was still a clunky dial-up affair. Web 2.0 hadn’t happened yet, Facebook wasn’t a thing, and there was no such thing as a smartphone – let alone a WhatsApp group. If you wanted to meet people, you had to do it the...
Renting with Pets: Rights, Laws, and Tips for Tenants
As a dedicated slave to two pampered cats, I know the importance of our bond with our companion animals. You may find it unthinkable to move without your furry (or feathered) friend. But how easy will it be to find a landlord who’s willing to rent to you (and your...
Budget-friendly Rentals: Where €2K Goes Further in Rome
In part 1 of this guide, I focussed on the most popular – and hence most expensive – areas of Rome. But what if your budget won’t stretch that far? Or you’re looking for something quieter and more suited for family life? Read on to discover some of Rome’s more...
Living the Dream: €2000 Rentals in Rome’s Hottest Neighbourhoods
Rents, of course, depend overwhelmingly on two factors: size, and location, location, location. However, these aren’t the only variables. Is the apartment furnished or unfurnished? Does it have any outside spaces (shared or for private use)? What’s its...
Five More Italian Terms Foreigners Always Misunderstand
Even if you’re an experienced renter in your home country, navigating the Italian rental system can be surprisingly tricky. Many aspects of renting in Italy — from contract types to deposit rules — work quite differently from what you may be used to....
Five Italian Terms Foreigners Always Misunderstand
Even if you're an experienced renter in your home country, navigating the Italian rental system can be surprisingly tricky. Many aspects of renting in Italy — from contract types to deposit rules — work quite differently from what you may be used to. Misunderstanding...
Why Italian Landlords Are Reluctant to Rent to Foreigners
If you’re a foreigner trying to rent in Rome and struggling to get a “yes,” you’d be justified in wondering if you’re the target of racial discrimination. The truth is, Italian landlords can be hesitant to rent to non-Italians, but it’s not necessarily due to...
Top 5 Italian phrases every expat should know before a property viewing
Cosa comprende l’affitto? (What’s included in the rent?)What’s covered by the rent generally depends on the type of contract. A tourist contract(contratto ad uso turistico) will generally include the condo fees, utilities, heating, water andso on, whereas longer...
Renting in Rome: what you need to know
When it comes to renting, there are certain things that you know without being told. You know you’re going to have to pay your monthly rent, of course. And your utility bills, naturally. There’s probably some kind of municipality tax, too.But you probably also have...
Living in Rome: Setting Up Essential Services
Living in Rome: Setting Up Essential ServicesSo it wasn’t easy, but you’ve finally found your dream apartment. Now you can sit back,relax, and enjoy la dolce vita. Well, almost – there are just a few essential services you needto set up first…Electricity & GasIn...