Tenants in Italy: who pays fees and charges
If you are a tenant in Italy and have doubts about who must pay accessory charges or condominium fees, this guide explains in a practical and clear way your rights and the landlord's responsibilities. We will see which expenses can be charged to the tenant, how to read the lease agreement, when it is lawful to request registration of expenses and what steps to take to dispute unjustified charges. You will find information on useful documentation, deadlines to respect and references to national regulation to guide you in daily decisions without needing in-depth legal knowledge. Practical examples on contract registration and options like cedolare secca are included, with references to Law 431/1998 [1] and instructions for the RLI form [2].
Who is responsible for charges and fees?
The general rule is that the landlord is responsible for ordinary expenses necessary to keep the dwelling habitable, while the tenant pays the utilities and charges explicitly provided in the contract. However, many lease agreements specify accessory charges: it is important to read the contract and verify which expenses are actually the tenant's responsibility. If the contract is ambiguous, the law and case law can help clarify responsibility issues.
Condominium fees: ordinary and extraordinary
Condominium fees are divided into ordinary (maintenance, cleaning, lighting of common areas) and extraordinary (major renovations, roof replacement). Usually the condominium charges the owner, but the lease may provide reimbursement of some ordinary fees by the tenant if clearly specified.
- Utilities and consumption (water, electricity, gas) usually borne by the tenant when billed or agreed as such.
- Heating charges if consumption is measured and the contract provides tenant payment.
- Cleaning and ordinary maintenance fees if expressly stated in the lease.
- Repairs for damage caused by the tenant or their guests.
When the landlord must pay
The landlord is responsible for structural repairs and expenses related to the safety and habitability of the property, unless otherwise agreed in writing. This includes interventions on general systems, roof, load-bearing structure and extraordinary works decided by the condominium assembly.
How to dispute a charged expense
If you receive a payment request that you consider unjustified, proceed as follows: ask the landlord or the administrator for documentation that justifies the expense, check the lease agreement and, if necessary, send a written notice disputing the charge. If the issue is not resolved, consider mediation or legal action at the competent Court.
- Request documents proving the expense and its allocation.
- Check the lease for clauses on accessory charges.
- Send a written communication (with proof) to the landlord or administrator.
- Consider mediation or court action if necessary.
Repair and maintenance costs
Ordinary repairs may be borne by the tenant if the damage results from daily use or is provided in the contract. Extraordinary repairs and interventions necessary to keep the property safe are borne by the landlord. In disputes, photographic evidence and written communications are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who pays ordinary condominium fees?
- Generally the owner, but the lease may state that some ordinary shares are reimbursed by the tenant if explicitly indicated.
- Can I dispute a charge that was billed to me?
- Yes: request documentation, send a written dispute and, if unresolved, consider mediation or legal action.
- Do urgent repairs fall to the tenant?
- Only small maintenance repairs or damages caused by the tenant; safety and structural interventions remain the landlord's responsibility.
How to
- Collect receipts, bills and any documents proving the charge.
- Ask the administrator or landlord for details of the expense in writing.
- Send a registered letter or certified email with the dispute and request for clarification.
- If necessary, initiate mediation or legal proceedings at the competent civil court.
Key takeaways
- Always read the lease to understand which charges are your responsibility.
- Keep documents and receipts for every disputed expense.
