Security deposit in Italian rentals
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 11
Security deposit in Italian rentals
Hello, I will be thankful if someone can help me. I rented a flat in Italy for 6 months and paid 2 month security deposit as advised by the agency. The tenancy contract was registered. After finishing the tenancy, I returned the keys to the agency. Now the landlord is not returning the security deposit. She finally wrote to me 3 weeks after I returned the keys that there was a lot of damage in the property and she is quantifying the damage. She has not provided any evidence to support it. I took photographs before entering the property and at the time of leaving, both showing no damages.
Is there any legal process for me in Italy or should I just assume the secuirty deposit lost.
Is there any legal process for me in Italy or should I just assume the secuirty deposit lost.
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2012
Location: Brussels
Posts: 155
Re: Security deposit in Italian rentals
In Italy it's illegal to deduct damages from the deposit without immediately initiating a legal action. The landlord's behaviour is therefore illegal. A legal process is there, but it's likely to take a long time, even if you go to the giudice di pace (similar to the small claims court).
#3
Re: Security deposit in Italian rentals
I had the same thing happen to me 15years ago. If you have to involve a lawyer they will soon consume any compensation. Next time forget to pay months 5 and 6.
Last edited by philat98; Feb 12th 2018 at 8:20 pm.
#4
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,508
Re: Security deposit in Italian rentals
You need to go to the agency which handled the rental. Send a raccomandata to the owner, with photos, and say you will be denoucning her for truffa. Do the same to the agency. I bet your money will reappear.
#5
Just Joined
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 11
Re: Security deposit in Italian rentals
Thanks a lot for the assistence and apologies for sounding stupid. But what does "denoucning her for truffa" mean.
With regards,
Bhaskar
With regards,
Bhaskar
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 404
Re: Security deposit in Italian rentals
Essentially reporting them to the police for trying to con money out of you.