The Ins and Outs of Renting in Florence

The Ins and Outs of Renting in TuscanyHave you been dreaming about waking up to a view of the cupola of the Duomo? If you are considering renting a space in Florence, here are a few tips on how to find one, along with the practicalities you’ll need to know.

As an alternative to searching on the web, and while there is no shortage of agencies in Florence, make sure the one you select is registered with the local Chamber of Commerce.  You will be required to pay commission to the agency for their services, rendering this option the more expensive one; however, they may provide assistance that private landlords are unable or unwilling to.

A housing agency may take care of registration with the tax office and police station (see below), and if your Italian is not particularly advanced, agencies are available with English-speaking staff who can provide you with an English copy of official documents. Since you will need to sign the original Italian contract, it’s still wise to find someone who is able to confirm that the translation accurately reflects the original.

Continuing on the path to your dream home, you should do your research before making a final decision and be clear about your responsibilities in relation to the property.  Noise can be an issue in Florence; a nightclub with insufficient soundproofing or a buzzing bar sotto casa (below your home) can mean a multitude of sleepless nights.

In addition to the actual rent, there are utilities (gas, water, electricity) to be considered, the prices of which vary from property to property and, as Italy has few natural resources, are relatively expensive.  Condominium costs may include the doorman (portiere), hallway electricity, cleaning, garbage pickup (in Italy, T.I.A. – tassa sui rifiuti) and, if centralized, heat. Keep in mind that if heating is centralized, you will have no control over when it is turned on and off from November to April, and therefore, no control over cost.

As far as the maintenance of the property is concerned, under Italian law the landlord is responsible for all items of “extraordinary” maintenance (anything structural, including water pipes, heating apparatuses, etc.) while the tenant is responsible for all matters of “ordinary maintence.”

The majority of apartments in Florence are let furnished, with both parties signing a written inventory at the start. Whomever you rent from, you are likely to be asked to pay a deposit (cauzione) to the landlord, who may legally ask for a sum equivalent to up to three months’ rent; this will only be returned if the property and its contents are found to be in suitable condition.

Once a price has been agreed upon, you need to deal with the legal paperwork. Regardless of where and how long you stay, a written contract is necessary, and there are several different types to choose from:

  • “4+4”: the standard resident’s contract, in which an initial four-year rental period will continue for another four years unless either the tenant or the landlord terminates the contract by written notice.
  • Transitory: for a period of between one and 18 months.
  • Contratti convenzionati: initially for a period of three to five years (“3+2”).
  • Contratti student universitari: for college students, from six to 36 months.
  • Contratto ad uso turistico (tourist contract): a contract not restricted by law in terms of duration.

All contracts over 30 days must be registered at the tax office, for which a registration fee may be charged, and the landlord must give details of the tenant to the closest police office.

Regardless of the complications involved in renting an apartment in Florence, there is a huge reward at the end: gaining a home away from home in this quintessential Renaissance city.  Now, armed with the above ammunition, “vai con coraggio!” (go with courage), and take the first step on the path to realizing your once-distant Florentine dream.