The parents' checklist: what to verify before your child signs the lease

Parent Checklist: what to check before signing the lease

Your kid found a room. They’re thrilled and want to sign on the dotted line right away. Honestly, fair enough—snagging a good place in a busy university town means moving fast. But before you both commit, take a deep breath. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you haven’t missed anything important.

The room — always visit in person

Have you seen it with your own eyes? Photos can lie. If you can’t make it, your kid has to. A room that looks bright and pristine on screen might actually be damp, loud, tiny, or in much worse shape in reality.

Does it match the ad? Cross-reference the reality with what was promised online. Furniture, appliances, overall condition—everything needs to match up.

Does the heating actually work? Crucial if they’re moving in for autumn or winter. Check that the radiators actually warm up and the room stays cozy.

Any signs of mold or damp? Look behind wardrobes, in corners, and under windows. Mold is a health hazard and a glaring sign of poor maintenance.

Is the Wi-Fi up to scratch? Ask for the connection speed and test it. Slow or patchy internet is a daily nightmare when they are trying to study and stream.

The landlord — check their reliability

Have you spoken directly to them? A quick chat—even a video call—tells you plenty. If details are vague or they dodge a face-to-face chat, that’s a red flag.

Are they reachable in an emergency? Who does your kid call if the boiler packs up in December? Make sure there’s a clear contact person and a realistic promise of a response.

Will the lease be officially registered? In Italy, registering the contract with the Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) is mandatory by law. An unregistered lease leaves your kid completely unprotected and risks heavy fines for both sides. If the landlord hesitates, walk away.

The contract — read every single line

Have you read everything? Not just the main terms—the whole thing, including the fine print. Every single clause is legally binding.

Does the lease length fit their university timeline? Too short, and you’re constantly renegotiating. Too long, and you’re paying for a room they don’t need if they transfer or graduate. Make sure the dates line up with the academic year.

What is the notice period? How many months’ notice must your kid give to move out? Are there penalties for leaving early? You need to know this upfront.

Is the monthly rent clear? Double-check that the contract clearly states the exact rent, how it should be paid, and the monthly due date.

Are bills included? This makes a massive difference to your monthly budget. If bills are extra, estimate the real monthly cost to ensure it’s actually affordable.

Is there an inflation adjustment clause? With a "cedolare secca" tax regime, the rent cannot be increased. With other contracts, there might be a yearly adjustment based on the ISTAT cost-of-living index. Check what’s in writing.

Are the deposit terms fair? If there’s a security deposit, the contract must state exactly how and when it gets returned—and what can be deducted. Keep it fair and clear.

The costs — calculate the real monthly total

What’s the all-in monthly cost? Rent + bills + building fees + any extras. Get the grand total before deciding if it actually fits your budget.

Who pays for maintenance? Who covers repairs? Usually, minor wear-and-tear is on the tenant, while major breakdowns are on the landlord. Make sure this boundary is crystal clear.

Are there building fees? Sometimes building fees ("spese condominiali") are billed separately. Ask for the average historical cost so you aren't hit by surprises.

The flatmates — who are they sharing with?

Has your kid met them? Who they live with shapes their entire university experience. Before signing, your kid should have a quick chat with the people sharing their space.

Are there house rules? Cleaning, guests, noise—the basics of living together need to be agreed on early. A house with no rules is a ticking time bomb for arguments.

Red flags to watch out for

Stop and think immediately if: The landlord demands cash with no receipt. They refuse to register the contract. They ask for money before you've even seen the place. The room looks nothing like the pictures. The landlord is evasive or completely unreachable.

If you spot any of these, stop. It’s always better to keep searching than to sign a bad contract.

With Stanza Semplice, you don’t have to worry about any of this

With Stanza Semplice, every contract is fully registered, utility bills are included in the price, flatmates are vetted, and our team is always on hand when needed. We don't just reduce the stress of student housing—we eliminate the typical headaches entirely.

If your kid is looking for a room in one of our cities, get in touch. We’re here to help you find the perfect match with the peace of mind you deserve.