Italy: renting property
The full process in 7 steps: the taxes you pay, what each stage costs and how long it takes (~20 days on average). Free guide, no account needed.
🔑 Owner
1
Get the energy certificate (APE)
⏱ 3-7 days · 💰 €150-350
2
Sign and register the contract (RLI)
⏱ 30 days · 💰 2% of annual rent
3
Choose cedolare secca or ordinary tax
⏱ at registration · 💰 21% or 10%
👤 Tenant
1
Check the contract and the inventory
⏱ 1-2 days · 💰 free
2
Pay the deposit
⏱ 1 day · 💰 usually 1-3 months
3
Ask for the registration receipt
⏱ 30 days · 💰 free
4
Put the utilities in your name
⏱ 1-2 weeks · 💰 varies
Taxes & fees
registration tax
2% of annual rent, split 50/50
cedolare secca
21%, or 10% canone concordato
deposit
usually 1-3 months
⚠️ What costs you money if you miss it
The contract must be registered within 30 days — and both parties are liable. Unlike most countries, the tenant is on the hook too if it is not done. Ask for the registration receipt.
Cedolare secca has to be chosen — it is not automatic. 21% flat (10% on canone concordato) replaces income tax, registration tax and stamp duty. The trade-off: you give up the annual ISTAT rent increase while it applies.
The APE must be attached to the contract and given to the tenant, not promised for later. It is also required to publish the advert in the first place.
⚠️ Informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed local lawyer.
Check what a property here is actually worthOpen the free valuation