Looking to rent an apartment in Trentino? Whether you’re moving to Trento, Arco, Riva del Garda, or Rovereto, this comprehensive guide covers everything international tenants need to know about finding and securing rental housing in this stunning Alpine region.
Reading time: 10 minutes | Last updated: December 2025
Essential Documents for Renting in Trentino
Before you start apartment hunting, gather these mandatory documents. Many landlords in Trentino won’t even schedule viewings without them:
| Document | Why It’s Needed | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport or EU ID | Identity verification, required for all tenants | Bring from home country |
| Codice Fiscale a.k.a. Italian tax code | Mandatory for contracts, utilities & banking | Apply at Agenzia delle Entrate |
| Proof of income | Demonstrates ability to pay rent | Employment contract, 3 recent pay slips, or bank statements |
| Residence permit/visa | Proves legal right to stay in Italy | Be sure to obtain it before apartment hunting |
| Previous landlord reference (optional) | Might increase new landlords’ trust | Ask for a letter from your previous landlord |
Worried about getting your Codice Fiscale in Trentino? Fear not, the guide on how to get a Codice Fiscale is now available!
Types of Rental Contracts
Italian rental law offers several contract types. The choice is often based on the landorlds’ preferences together with the tenant’s requirements. We recommend you choosing the contract based on how long you’re planning to stay.
- Duration: 4 years, automatically renewable for another 4
- Best for: Long-term residents, families, permanent relocations
- Rent increases: Capped at 75% of ISTAT inflation rate
- Notice period: 6 months for tenants, strict rules for landlords
- Duration: 3 years, renewable automatically for 2 more (if neither tenants nor landlords communicate the termination)
- Best for: Workers, students seeking stability
- Advantages: Lower rent (negotiated with landlords) & tax benefits
- Duration: 1-18 months (must justify temporary need)
- Best for: Work assignments, internships, trial periods
- Requirements: Tenant must document temporary reason
- Be careful: The temporary lease can be renewed only once and the total duration, including renewal, cannot exceed 18 months. It must always be justified by the continuing temporary needs that motivated the initial agreement.
- Duration: Flexible
- Best for: Students, seasonal workers, short stays
- Be careful: The takeover must be approved by the landlord and, if there are other tenants in the apartment, they must agree as well.
Rental Costs in Trentino: What to Budget
Now that the different kind of contracts have been explained, it is time to talk about budget. We know, even if it does not compete with the expenses one might sustain in cities like Milan, Rome, or the neighboring Bolzano, Trento province is not exactly cheap. However, where else can you find the quality of life that Trentino is known for?
Factoring Upfront Costs
Here’s what you’ll need to pay upfront when renting in Trentino:
| Cost Item | How much? | Good to Know! |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | 2-3 months’ rent | The landlord is obliged to return it to you at the end of the lease, minus damages. |
| First month’s rent | 1 month | Must be paid before receiving the keys |
| Contract registration | ~2% of annual rent | The cost is split 50/50 between tenant and landlord |
| Utility activation fee | €50-150 | One-time charges for utilities |
| Agency fees (if applicable) | 1-2 months’ rent + VAT | Only if you find your apartment through a real estate agency |
Example: For a €700/month apartment with an agency, expect to pay €3,500-4,500 upfront.
What Does Rent Actually Cost in Trentino?
As of November 2025, the average asking price for residential rentals in Trentino province is €11.61 per square meter per month, a modest 0.52% increase from the previous year. This means a typical 60m² apartment would cost around €700/month, while a 90m² two-bedroom runs approximately €1,045/month.
Keep in mind these are provincial averages: actual prices vary significantly by location. A studio in Trento’s historic center will cost far more per square meter than a similar apartment in a mountain village. Lakeside towns like Riva del Garda and climbing hubs like Arco typically command premium prices, especially during peak seasons.
Our advice? Use these figures as a general benchmark, but always check current listings on Immobiliare.it and Idealista.it for your specific area. Prices fluctuate by neighborhood, season, and property condition, so monitor these platforms regularly to understand what’s realistic for your target location and budget.
Monthly Utilities: What to Expect Beyond Rent
Beyond rent, you’ll need to budget for utilities, with heating being your largest variable cost. During the winter months (November through March), gas heating typically runs €80-150 monthly for a standard apartment. The good news? Trentino’s building standards are generally solid, and most apartments feature good insulation and efficient heating systems. Double-glazed windows are standard in the province, not a luxury.
Electricity typically runs €40-80 monthly depending on your usage, while water is relatively affordable at €20-40. If you’re in an apartment building, condominium fees (spese condominiali) cover shared costs like building maintenance, stairwell cleaning, and common lights, so it might be wise to budget €50-150/month for these. Add €25-40 for internet connection (fiber optic is widespread in the province) and roughly €100-200 annually for waste collection tax (TARI), which is billed separately.
The bottom line? A €700/month apartment will typically cost you around €900-1,000 total when utilities are included. That said, older buildings in historic centers can occasionally have higher heating costs, so it’s always smart to ask the landlord for recent utility bills during viewings. Check whether heating is autonomous (you control it) or centralized (fixed schedule), and you’ll have a clear picture of your monthly expenses before signing.
Essential Tips for Foreign Tenants
Finding an apartment in Trentino requires a multi-channel approach. The best listings don’t always appear in obvious places, and knowing where to look can make the difference between landing your ideal apartment or settling for second choice.
Start with the Big Platforms (But Don’t Stop There)
Immobiliare.it should be your primary hunting ground. It dominates the Trentino rental market with the largest selection across Trento, Rovereto, Arco, and Riva del Garda. Most serious landlords and agencies list here first. Idealista.it is comes in second, and is particularly strong for agency listings and professionally managed properties. Casa.it offers decent coverage but fewer options than the first two.
Subito.it is worth checking for private landlords, but approach with caution: it’s a mixed bag of legitimate offers and potential scams (we’ll cover red flags later). Airbnb‘s long-term rental mode can work for transitional housing while you search for something permanent, though options are limited and prices run higher.
The Secret Weapon: Facebook Groups
Here’s what many newcomers miss: some of the best apartments in Trentino never make it to the big rental sites. Private landlords, especially in smaller towns, post exclusively in local Facebook groups. We recommend to join these immediately, well before you arrive in Italy, and turn on notifications so you catch new posts quickly.
It is also important not to underestimate local networks: the informal rental market in Trentino is surprisingly active. Check University of Trento notice boards if you’re student-age or looking near campus areas. Climbing gyms in Arco often have bulletin boards with seasonal rental ads, especially relevant from April through October. Coworking spaces are excellent for expat networking and sometimes have leads on apartments from members moving out. Even tourist information offices occasionally maintain contacts for longer-term housing, particularly in smaller mountain towns.
Should You Use a Real Estate Agency?
It depends on your priorities. Personally, we would recommend it if you can afford to sprint for their usual 1-2 months’ rent in fee. For our case, as international tenants, an agency did solve real problems. English-speaking agents can navigate contract negotiations, verify that listings are legitimate (no scam risk), handle all the legal paperwork, and sometimes negotiate better terms on your behalf.
Timing Is Everything
Given the market, the reality is that good apartments in Trento disappear within 3-5 days of listing. In tourist centers, during the summer season, competition intensifies and decision windows shrink even further. You need to be ready to view an apartment within 24-48 hours of it being posted and make a decision quickly, ideally the same day or next day after viewing.
Start your search at least 3-4 weeks before your intended move-in date, have all your documents ready, and be prepared to act fast when you find something suitable. The “I’ll think about it for a week” approach doesn’t work in this rental market.
Language Barrier Solutions
Altough meeting English-speaking people is increasingly becoming more common in Trentino, most landlords (probably due to demographic reasons) speak only Italian. This is more likely the furthest we move from the city into the countryside.
To overcome this barrier we would recommend, aside from using the Google Translate app of course, to use a real estate agency with English-speaking agents and bring an Italian-speaking friend to viewings. Especially on the workplace it should be quite easy to connect with locals willing to help in this matter.
You did it!
Congratulations! After what we hope was not a grueling experience, you finally found your dream home in Trentino. Now remember that, within 20 days of moving in, you need to register at the local municipality (Comune). A specific guide on this process will follow, for now remember to bring passport, rental contract & landlord’s permission form. Welcome!
In the End
Renting an apartment in Trentino is absolutely achievable for international tenants, even without perfect Italian. The key is preparation: gather your documents early, understand the contract types, budget realistically, and don’t rush into decisions.
Trentino offers an incredible quality of life, from the Dolomites to pristine lakes. With this guide, you’re equipped to find your perfect home in this stunning Alpine region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is simply a bit harder. We recommend using real estate agencies with English-speaking agents, or bring an Italian-speaking friend with you. In Trento and tourist areas, some landlords speak basic English.
Clearly, it depents. For Trento, factor at least 3 weeks if you’re flexible. Popular areas go in days: Arco or Riva del Garda for example can take at least 5 weeks, but expect longer in peak climbing/ tourist season. We recommend you start searching at least 1 month before your move-in date.
No. However, we recommend setting up an Italian bank account as soon as you receive a fiscal code and the residency registration. Foreign bank transfers might involve higher fees in issuing the monthly bank transfers.
Sometimes.
You have more leverage if you are renting long-term (4+4 contract) and you are a stable tenant with job contract & references. It might also be easier in winter (depending on the location) or if the apartment has been listed for weeks.
However, expect to negotiate 5-10% maximum.
It depends on the contract type. In the case of the 4+4 or 3+2 contracts you must give 6 months’ notice and you’re liable for rent during the notice period, unless the landlord finds a replacement.
In temporary contracts it is usually more difficult and early termination is often not allowed.
Always read the “recesso” (early termination) clause carefully before signing.
Italy is generally very pet-friendly, and due to its outdoor culture Trentino can be especially open to our four-legged family members. However, if you have pets it is also better to mention it upfront as hiding it might cause eviction.