Who Pays for Bills and Contracts — Tenants in Italy
Many tenants in Italy wonder who must bear the cost when the landlord or tenant requests access to invoices, contracts or documents related to the lease. This guide explains, in plain language, tenants' rights, response times, what to include in a written request and how to act if the other party refuses. You will find practical examples related to contract registration, ISTAT rent adjustments and flat-rate tax options, with references to official procedures. The goal is to give you clear tools to obtain useful documentation, protect your rights and know when to contact an association or the court.
What access to invoices and contracts means
Access means the possibility of obtaining copies of documents relevant to the lease relationship, such as the registered contract, utility invoices or invoices for maintenance works. Some national rules regulate aspects of leases and the rights of tenants and landlords; among the main sources is Law 431/1998.[1]
When and who pays
There is no single rule: the allocation of costs depends on the type of document and contractual agreements. Generally, if the request concerns documents already in the possession of the other party, no additional fee should be charged for simple inspection; for paper copies reproduction costs may be requested. If the document relates to expenses incurred for works (e.g. repairs ordered by the landlord), the party who originally bore the cost may have to provide the related invoices.
- Copy of the lease agreement.
- Copies of invoices for utilities or charged repairs.
- Documents proving payments of rent or deposits.
Practical steps
Follow these steps to request documents and manage any dispute in an orderly way.
- Send a written request to the landlord specifying the requested documents, the relevant period and the reason for the request.
- Keep a copy of the request, delivery receipts (registered mail or PEC) and any proof of communication.
- If the other party does not provide the documents or refuses without reason, contact a tenants' association or consider legal assistance.
Practical examples
If you signed a contract with an ISTAT rent adjustment, you can request the invoices or calculations used by the landlord to justify the increase. If the landlord claims to have paid for a maintenance intervention, you can ask for the invoice to verify the amount and nature of the expense. For contract registration and official communications related to the lease, use the RLI Form from the Italian Revenue Agency.[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can request copies of documents?
- The tenant and the landlord can request documents, but who bears the cost depends on the type of document and the contractual agreement.
- Can the landlord refuse the request?
- They can refuse only if there is a legitimate reason; in case of unjustified refusal you can turn to an association or the court.
- Do I have to register the contract with the RLI Form?
- Registration is mandatory for most contracts; use the RLI Form to register or modify the contract. [2]
How-To
- Draft a written request and send it to the landlord, specifying the documents, the period and the reason.
- Keep evidence: a copy of the request, delivery receipts and related documentation.
- If the request remains unanswered, contact the local tenants' association or consider filing an action at the competent court.
Key takeaways
- Document every request to have proof in case of dispute.
- Cost sharing depends on the contract and applicable law.
- For contract registration use the RLI Form following official instructions.
