If one of your plans is to live in Italy, some basic information regarding rent agreements and contracts might be useful. Therefore, it will be this article’s objective to provide you with an overview of the most popular types of contracts in the real estate market in Italy.
The types of contracts depend on how long you intend to stay in Italy; there are options which go from short leases which are no longer than 18 months to three or four-year contracts with the possibility of renewal.
The most common types are:
1. Long Term Rentals (3-8 years)
2. Short Term Rentals (1-18 months)
3. Vacation Rentals (29 days or less)
The average monthly rent in Italy is largely dependent on a number of factors such as the region and the city where the property is located, its size, whether it is furnished, its energy class (A4, A3, A2, A1, B, C, D, E, F, G), among other other variables.
What are the main types of rental contracts in Italy?
• Freely negotiated tenancy agreement (contratto di locazione a canone libero). The duration and rental price are negotiated between the landlord and the tenant.
• 4+4 contract (contratto di locazione a canone libero 4 x 4). In this case, the duration is fixed for four years but the contract is renewable for an additional four years (except in special circumstances which are specifically determined by law).
• 3+2 contract (contratto di locazione a canone concordato 3 x 2). In this case, the duration is fixed for three years but the contract may be renewed for an additional two years.
• Short-term contract (contratto di locazione abitativa ad uso transitorio). This type of contract is not renewable (the duration can vary from 1 to 18 months) because it is based on the tenant’s temporary need.
• Rent agreement for university students (contratto di locazione a studenti universitari). This type of contract is designed specifically for students and its duration can vary from 6 to 36 months.
• Contract for tourists (contratto turistico). Generally, this contract lasts less than a month and it does not need to be registered unless tourists decide to prolong their stay for more than 30 days.
Regardless of the type of agreement, the terms listed in the contract should always include the following information:
– The landlord and the tenant’s personal details
– Property details
– Energy Performance Certificate (Attestato di Prestazione Energetica or APE)
– Contract length including exact start and end dates
– Monthly rent and what is included in the price
– Extra expenses and costs (spese/utenze) – e.g. utility bills
– Deposit (deposito cauzionale/cauzione) – some landlords may also require a guarantee statement from the bank
– Cancellation Policy (politica di cancellazione) – for both the tenant and the landlord
– Maintenance – the terms and conditions relating to running costs for the property. For example, in Italy the tenant is responsible for paying for gas, electricity, WiFi, TV license and for condominium expenses.
There are vital documents which are needed in order to rent a property out. These include:
• Codice Fiscale – Italian Tax Code
• Passport (a must-have for non-EU tenants) or a government ID (an option for EU tenants)
• Potentially, a letter from your employer or from a university that proves your enrollment.
If you need any assistance or simply information, feel free to contact us at info@italiarealestatelawyers.com. We will be happy to help you.
