Rental Scams in Italy: How Expats Can Spot and Avoid Fake Property Listings
Moving to a new city in Italy can be a wonderful experience, but finding a rental property can be challenging, especially for expats. Unfortunately, rental scams are common in Italy, and falling victim to one can leave you without a place to live and a lot of frustration. In this article, we’ll provide you with some essential tips and warning signs to help you avoid rental scams and ensure that you find a legitimate rental property in Italy.
1. Insist on Seeing the Property in Person
If a landlord refuses to meet with you in person or provide you with a real-time video walkthrough of the rental, it’s a warning sign that the property may not exist. A trustworthy landlord will want to meet with you to build trust, and if they’re unable to do so, you should be cautious.
2. Be Cautious of Properties “Available Immediately”
Scammers know that people often need a place to live quickly, and they will try to take advantage of this. Be careful when dealing with properties that are available immediately, as this can be a sign of a scam or an unorganized landlord. If you are in the unfortunate position of needing a place immediately, be extra careful. Properties that are available right away can be scams or the sign of a disorganized landlord.
3. Beware of Upfront Payments!
If a landlord asks for rent or a security deposit before you’ve signed a lease or had a chance to meet with them, it’s a warning sign that they may be trying to scam you. Scammers may claim to live overseas and ask you to wire them money in exchange for keys. Remember that anyone who doesn’t live near the rental itself should have someone, such as a property manager or realtor, who lives in the area and can manage the rental.
4. If It Seems Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
A rental property that is priced significantly below the market rate in your area should be a warning sign. Such properties can be a “bait and switch” situation, where the owner uses a low rent price to lure in potential renters before suddenly taking the listing off the market. So how can you determine if the rental is fair market value and not a scam? You should always do your own research on rent prices for units of comparable location, size, and amenities to get a good idea of what rentals in a certain area are being rented for.
5. Watch for Typos, Poor Grammar, or No Price in the Listing
Landlords or property managers will take the time to write a decent listing and proofread it, too. If you come across a rental listing that is full of typos, has poor grammar, or lacks a price, it’s likely created by a scammer. Be wary of individuals who send you a PM without sharing the rental details publicly. In conclusion, rental scams are prevalent in Italy, but with the right knowledge and caution, you can protect yourself from being scammed. Always insist on seeing the property in person or a real-time video walkthrough, be cautious of properties available immediately, beware of upfront payments, be wary of rental prices that seem too good to be true, and watch for typos, poor grammar, or no price in the listing. By following these tips, you can avoid rental scams and find a legitimate rental property in Italy.
If you’re not in Italy and need someone to check the property for you, our team can send a local expert to verify the property’s legitimacy for a fee. If you are looking for a room or apartment take a look at these groups on Facebook: Rooms & Apartments for Rent in Rome & Expats in Rome Noticeboard
When searching for long-term accommodation, trust reputable websites. Here are some trusted platforms to consider:
Idealista: Italy’s largest property website with an extensive range of rental properties.
Immobiliare: A prominent platform known for its comprehensive property listings.
If you’re still struggling to find housing in Rome or Turin, send an email to info@expatslivinginrome.com
There are also some listings on our website, check them out here.
Try airbnb to be safe. Write the host on airbnb before booking and ask if you are able to extend the rental if needed.
Subscribe to our newsletter to access content and updates to help navigate life as an expat in Italy. If you need help with your citizenship process, language courses, or general expat life in Italy, email us at info@expatslivinginrome.com.
Bringing Your Family to Italy: A Guide for Non-EU Citizens
For non-EU citizens residing in Italy, having your family with you is a tangible goal. Italian law provides a framework for family reunification, allowing you to bring close relatives to live with you under specific conditions. This guide outlines the key requirements, procedures, and rights to help you navigate the process. Who Can Apply for […]
How to Become a Self-Employed Worker in Italy
Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to work as a self-employed worker in Italy? This guide explains the conditions you must meet, the procedures to follow, and the rights you can enjoy during your stay. Conditions for Self-Employment To legally engage in independent work in Italy, non-EU citizens must satisfy several conditions and obtain the […]
Transport strikes scheduled across Italy in September 2025
September is shaping up to be a turbulent month for travelers in Italy, with more than 14 national strikes scheduled. Widespread protests are expected to cause significant disruption across trains, flights, and local public transport networks. Rail and Air Travel Disruption Commuters and long-distance travelers on trains should be aware of a major nationwide strike […]
Buying Property in Italy: Understanding Judicial Real Estate Auctions or Aste Immobiliari
As a resident in Italy, you may already be familiar with the dynamics of the local housing market and perhaps have contemplated purchasing property. However, there exists a lesser-known yet potentially advantageous avenue worth exploring: Aste Immobiliari, or judicial property auctions. What Are Judicial Auctions? Judicial auctions in Italy are public sales of assets, including […]
Important Update: Changes to Shipping from Italy to the U.S.
If you live in Italy and need to send packages to the United States, there are new rules you should know about. Starting August 29, 2025, all goods shipped from Italy to the U.S. will be subject to customs duties before arriving. Until now, parcels valued under $800 could be sent duty-free, but this exemption […]
Italy’s Passport Ranks Among the World’s Most Powerful in 2025 rankings
The Italian passport remains one of the most powerful in the world, ranking third in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. This prestigious position is shared with passports from Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, Finland, and Denmark, allowing holders to travel to 189 out of 227 destinations without a pre-approved visa. The index, widely regarded as a […]
Rome Takes a Historic Step Toward Autonomy
Rome is undergoing a significant transformation with the recent approval of a constitutional bill aimed at elevating its status and granting it greater autonomy. This historic reform, championed by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, seeks to address the unique challenges of governing Italy’s capital. The proposed changes are designed to improve Rome’s ability to manage its own […]
Constitutional Court Rejects Limits on Italian Citizenship by Bloodline
Rome, July 31, 2025 – Italy’s Constitutional Court has confirmed that the current rules for obtaining Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) remain valid, rejecting attempts to limit automatic citizenship for descendants of Italians born abroad. Under the existing law (Law 91/1992), anyone with an Italian mother or father is automatically an Italian citizen at […]
