Free help, now
These organisations give free information and support. Contact one of them first.
Short answer
Never pay a deposit or fee before you have seen the home in person or by live video and checked the owner's ID. Warning signs are a price far below market, payment by gift card or crypto, no written contract and pressure to decide today. Ask for a registered lease and a receipt for every payment.
Information, not legal advice. MovItaly is not a law firm. Check with the questura or consulate before you act.
Who is this for
Anyone looking for a room or flat, especially before arrival.
Warning signs
- The price is far below the market and the owner is "abroad" and cannot show the flat.
- You are asked to pay a deposit or fees by gift card, crypto or an untraceable transfer before you see the home.
- There is no written contract, or you are pressed to decide today.
- The name on the contract does not match the owner or the account holder.
Steps
- View the home in person or by live video, and ask for the owner's ID.
- Ask for a written contract. A lease should be registered with the tax authority.
- Get a receipt for every payment. Prefer traceable bank transfers.
- Keep copies of everything. You need the contract for your residenza.
If something goes wrong
Stop paying, keep the messages and report it to the police. Online fraud can be reported on the Polizia Postale portal. In an emergency call 112.
Where to get help
Tenant unions, patronato, your university housing office.
Questions people ask
Should I pay a deposit before I see the home?
No. View the home in person or by live video and check the owner's ID first. Pay by traceable bank transfer and get a receipt. Source
Does a rental lease have to be registered?
A lease should be registered with the tax authority. Ask the owner for proof of registration. Source
Where do I report a rental scam?
Stop paying, keep the messages and report it. Online fraud can be reported on the Polizia Postale portal. Source
Sources
- Contratti di locazione (Agenzia delle Entrate)
- Commissariato di PS online (Polizia di Stato)
