Renting in Italy: Everything you need to know (UK guide)

Italy has attracted expats for decades with its incredible food, wine, rich history and stunning natural landscape. Whether you’re drawn by the gorgeous countryside, a new job opportunity or the chance to start a business, one of the biggest hurdles you’ll face is finding an apartment.

We’ve put together a guide to renting in Italy, covering popular destinations, average rental prices and an overview of the rental process. We’ll walk you through the most important things to know as you begin your rental search.

We’ll also point out a cost-effective way to manage your money across borders from Wise. Open a Wise account and you can send large transfers between the UK and Italy for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate. This makes it a reliable option for secure international payments.

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Table of contents

Can a UK citizen rent property in Italy? Can you rent a flat without a residence permit? How does the rental process work in Italy? How do I find a property to rent in Italy? Letting and rental agents Online property sites Types of property to rent in Italy Houses Apartments Holiday rentals Student accommodation Flatshares How much is rent in Italy? Utilities, internet and other costs when renting in Italy Paying for bills and rent in Italy What documents do I need to rent in Italy? Rental agreements and tenancy contracts in Italy Tenant laws and rights in Italy How to apply for a property to rent in Italy Things to consider when looking for a place to rent Tips for successfully renting in Italy What’s the best city to rent in Italy? Rome Milan Florence Helpful terms to related to renting in Italian Save on your relocation costs with Wise

Can a UK citizen rent property in Italy?

Yes, UK citizens can rent property in Italy. Some additional documentation or proof of status may be required, but there is no law preventing UK citizens from renting.¹

Can you rent a flat without a residence permit?

You don't always need a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) in order to rent a flat in Italy. However, you’ll need proof of legal stay, such as a long-stay visa or a valid residence permit.¹

How does the rental process work in Italy?

The rental process in Italy starts with finding potential properties and contacting landlords or real estate agents. It’s highly recommended to visit the property in person before making a decision.

Once you've chosen a place, you can negotiate the lease terms, such as the monthly rent, security deposit, and whether utilities are included. You'll then sign a written lease, known as a contratto di locazione.

Before moving in, you’ll need to pay the first month’s rent and a security deposit (cauzione). All terms agreed upon with the landlord should be clearly stated in the rental contract.

How do I find a property to rent in Italy?

When renting in Italy, knowing where and how to search can make a big difference. The most common ways to find available properties are through real estate agencies and online listings.

Letting and rental agents

Using a real estate agent helps simplify the rental process, especially if you are not familiar with the language or local rules. Many private landlords rely on agencies to manage their property, making this a reliable way to find a suitable place to live.¹

Agency fees can be quite high, but agents help ensure that the landlord is legitimate and the rental process is handled correctly. Typically, the tenant pays the agency fee, which is usually equal to one month’s rent plus 22% VAT as a finder’s fee.¹

Here are some popular real estate agencies in Italy:

• Tecnocasa
• Engel & Völkers
• Gabetti
• Gruppo Toscano
• Frimm

Online property sites

You can start browsing online listings even before moving to Italy. This helps you get a sense of average rent prices in different neighborhoods and gives you a clearer picture of what's available.

Online platforms offer a variety of options, detailed descriptions and photos, allowing you to compare properties and narrow down your choices.

Some popular online rental platforms include:

• Idealista
• Casa.it
• Immobiliare.it
• Subito
• Rentola

Types of property to rent in Italy

Property types in Italy vary widely, each offering something different depending on how you want to live. Whether you’re seeking extra space, lower costs or a low-maintenance home, there’s something to fit every need.

Here's a look at the most common options and who they're best suited for.

Houses

There are different types of houses in Italy, depending on their location, size and whether they share walls with other buildings. Popular types include the semi-detached house or casa gemella, the country house or casa padronale, the detached house with a garden or villa and a small house, known as casetta.²

Since houses are often found outside dense city centres, they’re a great choice for families, those seeking outdoor space or a quieter environment.

Apartments

Apartments in Italy range from studios to multi-bedroom units. They can be rented furnished, partially furnished or unfurnished, in which case they don’t even come with light fixtures. Fully furnished apartments are usually geared towards students and working professionals.¹

Studio apartments are called monolocale, while three- and four-bedroom flats are known as trilocale and quadrilocale.¹

Living in an apartment is a good option for many people, including couples and small families looking for easy-to-manage living spaces in the city.

Holiday rentals

Short-term holiday rentals are a good option for your first few weeks in Italy. Although temporary, you may still need to sign a rental contract. This contract doesn’t need to be registered with the Revenue Agency, but you might be required to pay a security deposit.²

Holiday rentals come fully furnished and include everything you need for your stay. Keep in mind, however, that a tourist tax is usually charged at the end of your visit.²

Student accommodation

If you’re studying at an Italian university, you’ll usually be offered dormitory accommodation on or near campus. These accommodations are generally affordable, though you may need to leave during a short summer break.¹

Student housing is both convenient and budget-friendly, allowing you to focus on your studies and connect with other students.

Flatshares

Flatshares are a popular choice for students and newcomers to Italy, often serving as a next step after living in dormitories. While sharing a flat can significantly cut costs and offer social opportunities, it also means navigating different habits, dividing chores and managing shared bills with your roommates.

How much is rent in Italy?

Living in the city centre comes at a premium in Italy, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around €722 per month and three-bedroom flats reaching about €1,250. If you're open to living farther from the centre, you could save anywhere from €150 to €300 monthly. Rental costs also depend heavily on the property's condition and amenities.³

Big cities in Italy come with higher rental costs, and Rome is no exception. In the city centre, a one-bedroom apartment rents for around €1,250 per month, while a three-bedroom can cost more than €2,300.⁴

Wondering how much that would cost in GBP? Check out this handy conversion calculator.

Utilities, internet and other costs when renting in Italy

Rent is rarely your only monthly cost. You’ll typically be responsible for paying all your own utilities in an Italian rental, including gas, electricity, water, cable and internet. There’s also an additional TV tax that costs around €110 per year.²

Utilities for an 85 m² apartment in Italy average around €200 per month, but costs can be higher in larger cities.³ Energy suppliers in Italy are public and private and many also provide gas. The main national energy provider in Italy is Enel, but other well-known companies include A2A, Edison, and Eni. If you prefer to use green energy, providers such as Alperia, NeN, and Sorgenia specialise in renewable sources.⁵

The leading internet providers in Italy are Fastweb, Tiscali, Virgin Fibra and WINDTRE. The prices start at €20 for more basic packages, but the costs also depend on your location.⁵

Tenants in Italy also pay a waste tax called tassa sui rifiuti (TARI). You won’t need to calculate the rates yourself, as each municipality sets the charges based on your property’s size and the amount of waste produced. However, if your lease is shorter than six months, you are usually exempt from paying the waste tax.⁶

Paying for bills and rent in Italy

Rent and bills can be paid in various ways, including bank transfers and direct debits. The easiest option is to open an Italian bank account, which allows you to make local payments and deposit euros without extra fees. Although you can sometimes keep your UK bank account, international transfers with some banks often involve high fees and unfavourable exchange rates.

Another convenient choice is using a money transfer service like Wise. You can use Wise to pay bills manually or set up direct debits. It's a great choice for sending larger amounts since it offers transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rate, so you always know what you’re paying.

➡️ Sign up with Wise for free

What documents do I need to rent in Italy?

Landlords might ask for different documents, but here are the main ones:

• ID for each occupant
• Visa or residence permit
• Social security number (codice fiscale) for each occupant
• Three months of pay slips
• Latest tax return (if you’re self-employed)¹

You might also need references from previous landlords and a guarantor, but it’s not required by law.

Rental agreements and tenancy contracts in Italy

The four main types of contracts when renting property in Italy are unrestricted, conventional, transitory and student contracts.

Unrestricted contracts or contratto di locazione a canone libero are long-term agreements lasting four years, with an option to renew for another four. Conventional contracts or contratto a canone concordato last three years with the possibility of a two-year renewal.⁸

Transitory contracts (contratto di locazione ad uso transitorio) are designed for short-term rentals ranging from one month up to 18 months. Finally, student contracts (contratto di locazione a favore degli studenti universitari) are established through agreements with university cities. They last between six months and three years and renew automatically unless terminated.⁸

Tenant laws and rights in Italy

In Italy, rent is agreed between the landlord and tenant and usually stays the same for the full lease. It can only increase if the contract allows for annual cost-of-living adjustments and the landlord hasn’t chosen the flat tax.⁸

Landlords can ask for up to three months’ rent in advance and a security deposit of up to three months. This means tenants often pay six months’ rent before moving in. The deposit is returned with interest, currently set at 3%, when the contract ends.

Tenant rights in Italy are strong. Landlords cannot easily evict tenants, even if rent isn’t paid. The process can take a long time and must follow legal procedures.

How to apply for a property to rent in Italy

Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting property in Italy:

• Look for rental listings that match your needs or work with a local agent
• Contact the landlord or agent to arrange a viewing
• Prepare the required documents, such as ID and codice fiscale
• Provide a guarantor if the landlord requests one
• Discuss and agree on the lease terms, including rent and deposit
• Sign the rental contract
• Pay the deposit and advance rent as agreed in the contract

Things to consider when looking for a place to rent

When renting in Italy, keep the following things in mind:

• Local amenities like supermarkets, schools and transport links
• Check whether utilities are included in the rent
• How much you’ll need to spend on furniture
• Heating costs
• Noise levels
• Pet policy
• Additional fees

Tips for successfully renting in Italy

Here are some tips to help for renting property in Italy:

• Start your search early
• Keep all necessary documents prepared
• Be flexible around neighbourhoods
• Use trusted property websites and rental agencies
• Talk to the neighbours about the area’s safety and noise levels
• Read every contract clause carefully
• Document the condition of the property at move in

What’s the best city to rent in Italy?

Here are some popular cities to consider when renting in Italy:

Rome

Rome is Italy’s capital and a major cultural centre, known for its museums, historic landmarks and lively piazzas. Living in central neighbourhoods can be pricey, with one-bedroom flats typically costing around €1,250.⁴

If you opt for neighbourhoods outside the city centre, the average rent for a one-bedroom flat is around €790, while a three-bedroom typically costs about €1,500.⁴

Milan

Milan is Italy’s economic powerhouse, known for its trendy neighbourhoods and modern city life. However, it’s also one of the most expensive cities in Italy, with high rents in prime areas.

A one-bedroom apartment in central Milan averages around €1,500 per month, while a three-bedroom typically costs about €2,900. Choosing to live further from the city centre can save you between €400 and €1,000 on rent.⁹

Florence

Florence offers a range of rental options thanks to its compact size and walkable neighbourhoods. While rent tends to be more affordable in the outer areas, getting around the city is easy and these locations still provide a great quality of life.

The average rent for a small apartment in central Florence is just under €1,000, while moving outside the city centre can bring costs down to under €800. A three-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city typically rents for around €1,700.¹⁰

Helpful terms to related to renting in Italian

Renting in Italy often involves encountering Italian words that might be unfamiliar at first. To help you navigate contracts and listings, here are some useful terms:

Italian	English
Appartamento in affitto	Apartment for rent
Contratto di affitto	Rental contract
Arredato	Furnished
Servizi	Amenities
Spese di utenza	Utilities
Monolocale	Studio apartment
BIlocale	One-bedroom apartment
Riscaldamento	Heating
Locatore	Landlord
Caparra confirmatoria / Deposito cauzionale	Deposit

Save on your relocation costs with Wise

Renting in Italy gives you the chance to live in beautiful cities with rich culture, but navigating the rental process can be challenging. Knowing what to expect beforehand can make everything go smoothly and make the experience more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a simple way to manage your rental expenses, Wise can be a great option. Open a Wise account and you can send money between the UK and Italy for low, transparent fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

You can also spend in euros using your Wise card. It works in more than 160+ countries and automatically converts your pounds to the local currency, only adding a tiny, upfront currency conversion fee*.

➡️ Open a Wise account

Sources used:

1. Expatica - renting in Italy
2. InterNations - renting and housing in Italy
3. Numbeo - cost of living in Italy vs the UK
4. Numbeo - cost of living in Rome
5. Expatica - utilities in Italy
6. Expatica - internet in Italy
7. Confcommercio - TARI
8. Global Property Guide - rental contracts
9. Numbeo - cost of living in Milan
10. Numbeo - cost of living in Florence

Sources last checked on date: 17-Nov-2025