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.

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).

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.

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.

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

Re: Security deposit in Italian rentals
 

Essentially reporting them to the police for trying to con money out of you.

Re: Security deposit in Italian rentals
 

:goodpost:Useful information for renters in Italy.