When this help may be useful
- You want to rent out a flat and choose the most convenient contract
- You need to let a shop, an office or a warehouse
- You have received a draft contract and want to understand what you are signing
- You need to renew, terminate or change an existing contract
The main types of contract
For homes, Italian law provides the free-rent contract (canone libero, as a rule four years plus four), the agreed-rent contract (canone concordato, three years plus two, with possible tax advantages) and the temporary contract (transitorio), for documented temporary needs of up to eighteen months. For commercial premises the minimum term is six years plus six.
Each choice affects rent, taxes, the right to withdraw and protections. I explain simply which option suits you best and, if you wish, I also take care of registration.
Clauses not to underestimate
Security deposit, rent adjustments, sharing of expenses, maintenance, early withdrawal, subletting and, for commercial premises, goodwill indemnity and permitted use: these are the points that most often give rise to disputes. Careful negotiation at the start avoids problems later.
The process, step by step
- Analysis of your needs and the property
- Choice of contract type
- Drafting or review of the clauses
- Signing and registration of the contract
Frequently asked questions
By when must a tenancy agreement be registered?
In Italy the contract must be registered with the Revenue Agency within thirty days of signing or of its start date, if earlier. An unregistered contract exposes you to penalties and serious problems in case of dispute.
Can the landlord take back the property before the end of the term?
Only in the cases provided for by law and in the manner set out in the contract. Protections differ for homes and commercial premises: it is best to check them before signing.
Can I have a ready-made contract checked?
Of course. Send me the draft and I will point out unfavourable or invalid clauses, proposing the changes to request.
The information on this page is general, refers to Italian law and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case.