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1. What the Milan Rental Market Looks Like

• Milan is one of the most expensive rental markets in Italy, especially in central districts. Studio apartments often cost €1,200-€1,400+/month; a 1-bedroom in a desirable neighborhood can be €1,300-€1,700+.  
• If you share an apartment or rent farther from city centre, costs drop significantly. Shared rooms might cost €600-€800, depending on location.  

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2. Documents & Requirements

To rent as a foreigner in Milan, expect to provide:

• Valid passport or ID.  
• Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code) – used for contracts, utilities, etc.  
• Proof of income: recent payslips, employment contract, bank statements, sometimes financial guarantees.  
• Residence permit / visa (if you are non-EU) or proof of legal stay in Italy.  

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3. Costs & Additional Fees to Budget

Item	Typical Cost in Milan
Security deposit	Usually 2-3 months of rent upfront.
Agency fee / broker fee	Agent commission often equal to 1 month’s rent + VAT, or a percentage (10-15%) of the annual rent value.
Utilities & bills	Electricity + gas + water + internet may run €150-€250+/month depending on size and usage.
Condominium / shared building charges	Maintenance of common areas, elevator, cleaning, etc., can add to monthly obligations.

4. Contract Types & Rental Terms

• Common contract forms are 4+4 (4 years lease + 4 years extension) and 3+2 contracts (3 + 2 years).  
• Shorter/Transitory leases may be 1-18 months for students, expats, temporary assignments. These sometimes include furniture or other amenities.  
• Leases must usually be registered with Italian authorities / tax office.  

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5. How Dogpay Helps in the Renting Process

Scenario	Common Payment / Financial Difficulties	How Dogpay Adds Value
Paying deposit & first month’s rent (often large sums)	Traditional international bank transfers can be slow, expensive; unfavorable exchange rates can increase cost unexpectedly	Dogpay supports multi-currency fast transfers, transparency in fees & rates, potentially locking in favorable rates so you know exactly what you are paying
Paying agency or broker fees	Commission + VAT adds up; sometimes payment must be remote or via foreign bank	Dogpay helps manage these intermediary payments cleanly, with clear invoicing and categorization for those fees
Utilities setup & ongoing bills (electric, internet etc.)	Different providers, multiple small bills; delays or foreign transaction fees when paying from abroad	Dogpay can streamline recurring bill payments, help you set up in-country payment methods, reduce FX loss and delays
Document-/contract related payments (translations, registration, legal fees)	Small to medium expenses from different service providers; payments from abroad may incur fees or be delayed	Dogpay’s payment logs + exportable receipts help in tracking & proving your spend; speed and clarity helps avoid delays in starting your tenancy

6. Key Tips for Expats Looking to Rent in Milan

• Act fast: good listings in desirable neighborhoods go quickly. Have your documents ready.
• Clarify what is included in the rent (furniture, utilities, internet) to avoid surprises.
• Negotiate where possible, especially for long-term leases.
• Always check that the contract is registered and you receive the official documentation.
• Budget carefully not just rent but deposits, agency fees, and monthly extras.