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Offer and contract

Everything in writing, everything registered

The offer and the contract put the rent, length and rules in writing. The contract must be registered: without registration it's void, and you're left without protection.

How long: From a few days to 2–3 weeks between offer and signing

How it works

1. The offer

In writing: rent, length, move-in date, what stays in the home. Any deposit only by a traceable method and with a receipt.

2. The type of contract

Open-market 4+4; agreed rent 3+2 (canone concordato) with the rent within the bands of the Comune's local agreement; short-term up to 18 months for a written reason; for students from 6 months to 3 years.

3. The draft

Ask for it a few days beforehand: notice period (for you usually 6 months), costs, ISTAT inflation updates, deposit.

4. Registration

Ask for the Agenzia delle Entrate receipt: it's the proof that the contract exists in law.

What it costs

  • Registration: 2% of the annual rent, at least €67, half paid by you; nothing with the flat-rate tax (cedolare secca)
  • Stamp duty: €16 every 4 pages per copy, split in half; nothing with the flat-rate tax
  • Certification (only for “unassisted” agreed-rent contracts): issued by an association that signed the Comune's local agreement

Who does what

  • Landlord: registers the contract within 30 days and gives you proof within 60
  • Agency: prepares the offer and often the contract; can register it on behalf of both parties

Watch out for

  • An unregistered contract is void (Law 311/2004); undeclared rent on top of the written amount is a void agreement, and you can ask for the difference back.
  • With the flat-rate tax (cedolare secca), the landlord gives up ISTAT inflation increases for the whole term: ask for it to be written down.
  • Only pay by bank transfer or other traceable methods, always with a receipt.

Questions to ask · before signing

  • Who registers the contract, and when will you give me the receipt?
  • Have you chosen the flat-rate tax (cedolare secca)?
  • How is the rent updated over the years?
  • Which costs are mine and which are yours?

General guidance, up to date as of 20 October 2026: for important decisions, talk to a CAF (tax assistance centre), a tenants' union or a lawyer.