10 Questions Newcomers Never Ask and Discover Too Late

What is the house's power 3 kw, 4 kw, or 6 kw? Houses have a power rating based on consumption and supportable infrastructure. If you run the air conditioner, microwave, dishwasher and a blow dryer at the same time in a 3 kw home then the electrical breaker outside the house will probably blow. Not all homes can be upgraded to 4 kW or 6 kW.

What Internet service was there previously in the apartment/house, is there fiber in my area? 100 Mbps → Can handle multiple streams (Netflix, YouTube, gaming, etc.) without lag.10 Mbps → Limited to one HD stream at a time, and if other devices are online, performance may drop.

What type of air conditioning unit is in the bedroom and living room? Although the temperature will be in the 90s F., Italian homes are designed for "indirect air conditioning". Would the landlord be able to upgrade or install an air conditioner in the bedroom(s) and/or living room?

Permesso? (May I enter?): In Italy, when entering someone else's home, it's polite to ask the question, "permesso?" (May I enter?) To make a good impression on a possible landlord when you enter the property and the house, you would ask "permesso?" and wait for them to say either "prego" or "avanti".

What security system(s) is available? Are there video cameras on the gate and/or around the home? Unfortunately, robberies are a reality in Italy. Is the landlord willing to install or allow you to install a security system?

How energy efficient is the home or what is it's energy rating? APE (Attestato di Prestazione Energetica) scale, which ranges from A4 (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Expense data gathered from members receiving OHA and paying their own utility bills determines this allowance, set to cover the 80th percentile of reported costs. An energy efficient home will prevent paying high out of pocket costs.

What happens if a water main or drain breaks on the weekend or in the middle of the night? Italian contractors who are cold-called are typically not very responsive. Where does the landlord live and how who will assist?

Are the rent or deposit negotiable? Although the rent and deposit may be written, it's amazing what can happen if you pose the question for one or the other is negotiable.

What type of heating system or hot water system is employed, where is it and who would restart the furnace if it went out? Some of the Italian heating systems can be quite complicated, how comfortable would you be in restarting the hot water heater and/or furnace?

If there is no garage, where can I park my car, is there parking reserved? Where would guests park their cars?