I've been offered a job in Milan and move over in August. Soooo excited but nervous and now trying to work out what I need to arrange. I'm looking for apartments that are quite central, I know this is going to be more expensive but I'm taking my dogs with me so need to be able to go home at lunch to walk them (I'd get a dog walker but I'm not sure how to find one initially).

So, I'm looking for advice really. I've been able to get a feel for the rental charges but how much extra will taxes and utilities cost? Am I better renting privately or through an agency? Is a 4+4 contract normal and is rent paid monthly (I'd read quarterly on one site!)?

Outwith rental, what else should I be aware of? Do I need a visa (I'm from the UK)? How easy is it to sort out banking, mobile phone, internet etc?

Sorry for all the questions,I've just poured out all my queries to date on this post. Can you tell I'm both excited and slightly freaked by this move!!??!! Anyway, thanks for any help

Hi Scotalian,

a warm welcome to the Forum.

OK so 4+4 is normal, I am on that and pay monthly. Mobile phone is easy as long as you have your codice fiscale (apply now for this). Banking and internet are not too difficult it just takes much longer here.

Thanks Any tips for finding property? I've looked online at a few websites but I'm not sure if I'm better going through an agency or through a private advertiser. My Italian is basic so I know this may cause issues.

Is the codice fiscale something I do myself or does my employer help with that? How do I arrange this?

Thanks again

CF is effectively your NI number, you can apply now, check out the Italian Embassy website. Best to do it before you arrive as everyone will ask for it as you set things up.

Great thanks. I'd read about it but wasn't sure what it was. I'll have a look.

Agency is easier but not cheap (a months rent or more), you may also need 2 months rent as deposit. If your company will pay for relocation i.e. the agency fee then that will be simpler. If you have to pay then going private is better!

These people found my Rome appartment for me and have an office in Milan too. They are all English speakers.

http://en.propertyint.net/

give us a shout if you can't find it - it will be under consular services.

Great, I've had a quick look at that site and it looks good. Answers a few of my questions I'm going to contact them to discuss options.

I'll have a nosey and let you know if I need help

Thanks, I've had a look at the site, which has some great info on it. The agency fee is going to be an issue. My new company don't provide relocation fee's so I would be paying myself. Have had a look at some private lets and have contacted a couple to see what they say.

Thanks, I found a form for it, so will send this off asap. I'll be going over a couple of times between now and moving so hopefully I can get some things sorted during those visits so when I move officially I'm almost sorted.

Thanks, I think private letting will be best for me as the agency fee's are quite high. I found a form for the CF so will sort that out asap Thanks for your help.

no worries, we are happy to help

Hi Scotalian

this magazine (for the english speaking community of Milan) might be of help to you - its gots lots of info and loads of ads as well.

http://www.easymilano.it/

ciao ciao

re agency fees, even if you do all the legwork you can still end up paying an agency because the owner uses one. Happened to us one time.

There might be restrictions on you keeping your dogs at home, so check it out. It might be in the rules of the Commune/building management for instance.

The law has just changed this and so it is no longer possible for condominiums to prohibit you from keeping a dog/cat (although there are rules to be followed when in public areas)

See:
http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/norme...?uuid=AbL5TqkH