Tenant Rights: Internet, TV and Box in Italy
Many tenants wonder whether internet access, TV service or a decoder/box are the landlord's responsibility or the tenant's. In Italy the answer mainly depends on what is written in the lease: if the rent includes services or accessory expenses, the landlord can provide them, but each item must be clear and documented. The rules on residential leases and on rent, including ISTAT update methods, set the general limits of the rental relationship and the rights of both parties.[1]
How to understand what is included in the rent
Read the contract carefully: different clauses change responsibilities. If the lease specifies that "utilities and services" are the landlord's responsibility, request a detailed list of providers and costs. If it is not specified, the general rule is that the tenant pays what they consume directly (e.g., an internet subscription in their name), while the landlord is responsible for ordinary maintenance and what is necessary to deliver the property in habitable conditions.
Contracts that include services
When the rent includes multimedia services, the contract should indicate how those costs are calculated and whether they are subject to adjustments (for example with the ISTAT index). Any increases due to ISTAT adjustments or territorial agreements must be specified and justified.[1]
- If the rent includes a TV or internet service, check the monthly amount indicated in the contract.
- Review any adjustment clauses: "ISTAT update" or similar indices must be explained.
- Request documentation from providers to understand what is actually paid.
If the tenant personally subscribes to the service (internet or TV) and receives the invoice, the expense is normally their responsibility. If the service is billed to the landlord and the cost is charged as a separate item in the lease, request receipts or invoices to confirm payments.
Rights in case of dispute
If problems arise (unclear charges, service interruption, uncommunicated increase), try to resolve them with a written communication to the landlord and keep all evidence: contracts, emails, invoices and receipts. If no agreement is reached, you can turn to the competent court or seek mediation. For matters of contract registration, the flat-rate tax (cedolare secca) or tax declarations, consult the guidance from the Italian Revenue Agency.[2]
Domande frequenti
- Il locatore può obbligarmi a pagare l'abbonamento internet?
- Solo se il contratto lo prevede esplicitamente; in assenza di clausole l'abbonamento è a carico di chi lo sottoscrive.
- Posso chiedere le fatture se il servizio è intestato al proprietario?
- Sì, hai il diritto di richiedere documentazione che giustifichi le somme addebitate come parte del canone.
- Cosa succede se il locatore interrompe il servizio incluso nel canone?
- Segnala il problema per iscritto e conserva le prove; se la fornitura è parte essenziale dell'accordo puoi chiedere una riduzione del canone o ricorrere alle vie legali.
Come fare
- Controlla il contratto e annota le clausole che parlano di servizi inclusi o spese accessorie.
- Invia una richiesta scritta al locatore chiedendo dettagli e documenti di spesa.
- Raccogli tutte le ricevute, fatture e comunicazioni come prova.
- Se non ottieni risposta soddisfacente, valuta mediazione o ricorso al tribunale competente.
- Se paghi per servizi che non utilizzi, richiedi il rimborso proporzionale o la revisione del canone.
Punti chiave
- The content of the lease often determines who pays for multimedia services.
- Always keep documentation and written communications to defend your rights.
- In case of dispute, mediation or court may be necessary.
Aiuto e risorse
- Normattiva - consultazione testi legislativi
- Agenzia delle Entrate - informazioni su registrazione contratti e RLI
