A large number of people aspire to settle in Rome, and many succeed — either by securing a long-term contract with an Italian company or enrolling in an educational institution. Furthermore, you can simply work remotely while living in your dream city. However, newly arrived Romans often find themselves disappointed when facing certain difficulties that arise during the process of renting an apartment. To ensure this experience goes smoothly for you, here are some key points to consider when renting an apartment in Rome.
Beware of Scammers
You can search for housing in Rome either on your own (using specialized websites and social media groups) or with the help of real estate agents. In both cases, it is essential to stay vigilant and double-check all the information you receive.
A mistake can be costly! For instance, you may fall victim to scammers and pay them a deposit for an apartment. In Europe, this deposit is called a “security deposit.” It is usually an amount equivalent to one month’s rent (often covering 2-3 months) that the tenant must transfer to a special bank account. If you decide to move out and find other accommodations, the deposit should be returned to you. Of course, this happens if you don’t flood the downstairs neighbors, damage the walls, or break the equipment while renting. The standard deposit amount is around €1,000.
What to Look for in Listings?
When beginning your independent search, first pay attention to when the rental listing was posted. The most attractive apartment options in Rome are typically rented out within a day or two. If the listing has been up for 4-5 days, there’s a good chance something is wrong with the apartment, or it may not exist at all.
Here are a few other important points:
- City buses in Rome don’t run on a fixed schedule. Waiting 20-30 minutes for the right bus is quite normal. Therefore, if your work or studies require frequent travel to different parts of the city, it’s better to look for an apartment near a metro station — unless you plan on driving a personal car or using a car-sharing service.
- In Rome, as in most Western European countries, apartments are classified not by the number of rooms but by the number of bedrooms. So, if the listing mentions an apartment with two bedrooms, it’s most likely a three-room apartment.
- One of the key factors when choosing an apartment in Rome is having a properly functioning air conditioner. Without one, living at home from May to September can feel like being in an oven! During the summer, daytime temperatures average around 30°C, often reaching 40°C. Installing air conditioning yourself is difficult and expensive, requiring coordination with the landlord and building management.
- In the winter, you might freeze if the apartment lacks both air conditioning and gas heating. The average daytime temperature in December in Rome is 12°C, but at night it can drop below freezing.
The Paperwork
To finalize a rental agreement, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A copy of your passport with a valid visa;
- A residence permit or a receipt confirming you have registered with the police and are waiting for your permit;
- A tax identification number issued in Italy;
- A work contract with a local company, documents confirming your enrollment in a university, or a bank statement showing you have sufficient funds in your account.
If you’re not confident in your Italian, it’s advisable to use the services of an experienced translator or lawyer to sign the rental agreement.