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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…