General Guidelines
While you are looking for housing you will learn that there are no hard and fast rules about the condition and appearance of apartments and villas.

You may be lucky enough to find the property you like in perfect condition. On the other hand, an otherwise suitable housing solution might need some attention. The tenant is usually expected to clean and paint the property, either as he moves into the property or when he moves out. In any case, at the end of the contract, the property must be returned to the owner in the condition in which it was handed over.

It should be noted that property owners almost always require a minimum rental period of one year although in Milan, at times, it can be possible to find an apartment for six months. This means that someone requiring housing for a period of less than six months to one year must stay in a Residence or serviced residence hotel where suites with kitchenette may be rented on a monthly basis. In Rome and Tuscany there is a short term rental market.

“Spese”
Besides the Rental Cost (l'affitto), another cost to keep in mind when looking for an apartment is the Condominium Expenses (spese). These generally include cleaning and maintenance of the building; central heating; water supply; the cost of running and maintaining the elevator; the porter's salary; gardening charges (if any), etc. These condominium expenses are variable, depending on the size, age and condition of the building, the type of heating used, and the number of tenants among whom they are divided. The administrator of the building draws up a forecast of what the yearly expenses are expected to be, and these estimated expenses, broken down into appropriate payment periods, are paid in advance with the rental payment. At the end of the administrative year the forecast will be compared with the actual costs and the tenant will be expected to pay the difference if the costs are higher, or will be given a credit if they are lower.

In the case of rental of a villa (free-standing or attached house), there are usually no condominium expenses, unless the villa is located in a gated complex with porter, has private streets to be maintained and lighted, or other similar common charges.

Utilities
Telephone, gas, and electricity are always paid by the occupant according to consumption. They are separate contracts, with the utility companies and are not included in rental agreements.

Garbage Tax
The occupant of an apartment or villa must register at his/her Municipal Tax Office for the subscription to the trash/garbage removal service. The cost is calculated on the basis of a formula which takes into account the number of square meters occupied, and the number of persons living in the property. The bill is sent to the tenant on a yearly or six months basis.

Cost of Living Increase
Rental amounts are increased each year by a small percentage. The percentage of increase is established annually by the "ISTAT" report (government issued cost of living index).

Unfurnished property in Italy is just that: empty walls, ceilings and floors! So do not expect to find the kitchen already installed as is common in some countries. Semi-furnished properties do exist, and will typically have the kitchen and some wardrobe closets installed. Furnished housing is relatively complete. However, it usually does not include bed linens, towels, plates, cutlery, pots or pans.

Most Italian properties are not equipped with air-conditioning, clothes driers, or microwave ovens.

If you are planning to rent a furnished or semi-furnished property you should know that according to the Civil Code the tenant is responsible for ordinary repairs and maintenance of the property and its contents and the owner is responsible for major repairs.

Contracts
When you find an appropriate property a rental contract will be drawn up. This contract may be signed by the individual or by the legal representative of his/her company. The standard Italian rental contract is commonly known as the "4+4" contract because the duration is for 4 years and is renewable for another 4 years. The owner is obliged to guarantee this period but the tenant can give notice with a registered letter. The official notice period is 6 months but this can normally be negotiated to 3 months.

Apart from the above, the law foresees other two types of lease contracts: the "3+2" and the transitory lease contract. The former is a variation of the 4+4 which is valid for a period of 3 years and can be renewed for another 2 years. In all major cities it refers to a maximum lease price which is based on agreements between the local associations of tenants and landlords. The transitory lease is a very common contract, especially in Rome and is designed to discipline those situations in which the tenant is transferred to a city temporarily, intending to return to leave within a few months or maximum 2-3 years. For this reason the tenant is expected not to take residence at the address where he is living for this period. Officially the maximum period of lease is 18 months, if the tenant decides to stay he has to sign a new contract. In Rome it is quite common that owners insist on this kind of contract initially, before agreeing on a longer period, in order to get to know their tenants better.

Rent Payments
At the time of signing the lease it is expected to pay 3 months rent in advance (rental payments are always made in advance and usually paid quarterly). Some owners will accept monthly payments, especially for small apartments.

Security Deposit
The security deposit can be between 1 and 3 months of rent, depending on how big an apartment is, its condition and whether it is furnished or not. In rare cases it can be even higher, or owners ask for a bank guarantee for up to 12 months of rent. The deposit is paid to the owner and is normally put in a bank or post savings book which draws a little interest. It will be returned to you at the end of your stay, less any amount to cover damages and/or any outstanding payments. It is never used to pay the last months of rent.

Condominium Expenses
Besides the Rental Cost (l'affitto), another cost to keep in mind when looking for an apartment is the Condominium Expenses (spese condominiali). These generally include cleaning and maintenance of the building; central heating; water supply; the cost of running and maintaining the elevator; the porter's salary; gardening charges (if any), etc. These condominium expenses are variable, depending on the size, age and condition of the building, the type of heating used, and the number of tenants among whom they are divided. The administrator of the building draws up a forecast of what the yearly expenses are expected to be and these estimated expenses, broken down into appropriate payment periods, are paid in advance with the rental payment. At the end of the administrative year the forecast will be compared with the actual costs and the tenant will be expected to pay the difference if the costs are higher, or will be given a credit if they are lower.

Registration Tax
The yearly registration tax is a 2% of the year's rent, divided equally between the owner and the tenant. The stamp duty is paid by the tenant. When notice is given there is a cancellation fee to be paid to the registry office. This fee is to be paid by the party that gives notice.

Maintenance
Tenants are expected to be responsible for the upkeep and the ordinary maintenance of the property and its contents. This includes electric appliances. In case of dispute regarding the cause of a breakdown, the opinion of a technician is normally accepted. Any extraordinary maintenance costs will be covered by the owner.

Handover of Property
The tenant is expected to return the property in the same state in which he received it. If the house has been painted at the beginning of the contract, it must be repainted. This does not apply to short term rentals. Owners will keep back money from the deposit if the property is not returned clean and in order.