-
How to make yourself a more attractive tenant
Renting in Rome is tough. The high demand for accommodation means that landlords can afford to be choosy. In practice, this means they prefer tenants they perceive to be lower risk: namely, Italians, or at least, people with an Italian employment contract. So what can you do if you’re not one of this select group? Well, there…
-
Student accommodation in Rome: how Helpmate Rome can save you time and give you peace of mind
Sending your child off to college is a momentous occasion filled with excitement and anticipation. When that college is in a foreign country – let alone a city as historic as Rome – the experience promises to be even more enriching. But it’s also daunting. Will they feel at ease in another culture? Will they…
-
Who’s ringing your bell?
You’re blissfully asleep in your comfy bed when suddenly your dreams are shattered by the buzz of your entry phone. Who could it be? The most likely answer is the postperson: “Sono il postino/la postina, mi faccia entrare per cortesia?” – a routine occurrence. Just buzz them in – they will leave everyone’s post in the…
-
Private Rental Companies in Rome: Paragon or Predator?
I’ve already discussed how to avoid scams in the Rome housing rental market here. However, recent years have seen the emergence of a new type of player. These so-called “private rental companies” don’t charge landlords for their services, but instead require potential renters to pay a signing-on fee before they can view any property. But…
-
Powering RAI: Paying Italy’s TV Licence Fee through Your Electricity Bill
Italy has an interesting approach to funding its state-owned TV company, RAI. While RAI also generates revenue through advertising, a significant part of its funding comes from a licence fee. To address issues of evasion and ensure broader compliance, a few years ago the government came up with a practical, albeit somewhat unpopular, solution. With…
-
Prima casa, seconda casa: what do they mean?
Prima casa, seconda casa: What do they mean and what are the implications?First house, second house… the translation is easy and the meaning’s clear, right? Or maybe not. In English, “first home” typically refers to a property bought by someone who has never previously owned any real estate. But in Italian, prima casa has an…
-
Decoding Italian Real Estate Ads: A Quick Guide
Whether you’re looking for a superattico or a palazzo, you won’t get far if you don’t understand what the real estate ads are telling you. So let’s demystify their language. From floor details to contract terms, I’ve decoded it all for you! Cracking the Floor Code S1 Seminterrato: The basement flat, usually a more budget-friendly…
-
Avoiding scams
Avoiding scams in the Rome housing rental marketThe rental market can be a daunting place, especially for expats who might be unfamiliar with the local landscape. Unfortunately, scammers often prey on unsuspecting individuals. Here are some common scams to watch out for:1. Identical Ads, Different Locations:It’s not unusual to find the same property listed on…