Short-Term or Concordato Contract? A Guide to Renting in Milan

If you're looking for a home in Milan, the type of lease you sign makes a real difference to your day-to-day life: it affects how long you're committed, how utilities are managed, and the upfront costs. In Italy, rentals fall into free market leases and subsidised contracts (which include short-term forms and concordato leases). Here's a complete guide to help you choose, with a special focus on the short-term contract in Milan, the most common choice among students and workers.

What is the short-term contract (for workers and students)

The short-term contract — known in Italy as "contratto transitorio" — is the solution designed for anyone with a temporary housing need, linked for example to a course of study, a work assignment, or a fixed-term job.

This formula stands out for its flexibility. Not only does it provide for a shorter term, suited to mobility, but it also allows you to rent the whole property or just single rooms or portions of the home — a valuable feature in the most sought-after neighbourhoods. A huge practical advantage concerns bills: the tenant isn't required to put utilities (electricity, gas, internet) in their own name and can agree with the landlord on an "all inclusive" rent, with no risk of balancing statements or end-of-month surprises.

There are, however, precise rules to follow. In major cities like Milan, the rent for a short-term contract isn't free, but bound by the local Territorial Agreements, just like the 3+2 concordato. Moreover, to prevent the contract from being automatically converted into a long 4+4, the tenant must demonstrate the temporary need (for example a fixed-term job) or university enrolment (for students residing in another municipality). Finally, it's worth remembering that a short-term contract doesn't allow registration of official residence.

What is the concordato contract (the classic "3+2")

If you're looking for a long-term solution, the concordato contract offers a duration of 3 years, automatically renewable for a further 2. Here too, the rent must be calculated within a range set by the local Territorial Agreements, based on the urban zone, the size and the features of the property. Unlike the short-term contract, under the concordato utilities are excluded from the rent and must be put in the tenant's name, who pays for actual consumption. It's a formula better suited to those with stable employment and it allows you to register official residence. Both the 3+2 and the short-term contract require registration with the Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Agency) and certification by two trade associations.

For completeness, there's also the free-market "4+4" contract: it leaves the landlord total freedom on price, doesn't benefit from tax breaks, imposes a commitment of as long as 4 years renewable, and requires utilities to be put in the tenants' names.

The main differences and the costs to plan for

• Duration: up to 18 months for the short-term contract; 3 years + 2 for the concordato.
• Bills: can be "all inclusive" with the short-term contract; billed on usage and in the tenant's name with the concordato.
• Security deposit: normally around 3 months' rent for both short-term and concordato, while it can rise to 6 months' rent for the 4+4. Both can also include roughly 1 month's rent, non-refundable, for administrative costs.
• Income requirements: lighter and more accessible for the short-term contract (designed also for students backed by guarantors); the concordato requires payslips or solid income, as proof of lasting stability. In any case, without an Italian tax code (codice fiscale) the contract can't be registered.

Which contract should you choose based on your profile?

If you're a student or a worker who has just arrived, the short-term contract is almost always the winning choice: lower deposits, bills included with no paperwork, and lighter requirements. It's also valid for applying for scholarships. If, once the agreed months are up, you decide to stay in Milan — perhaps for a new job — remember that the short-term contract doesn't renew automatically: you'll need to discuss it again with the landlord in good time or move to the stability of the concordato.

If instead you're a worker with a stable job looking for a lasting life project, the 3+2 concordato or the free-market 4+4 are the options that let you obtain residence and a genuine fixed base in the city.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sign a short-term contract if I'm not a student?

Yes. The short-term contract is designed for any temporary housing need: besides students, it also covers workers on assignment or with fixed-term contracts. However, you need to be able to demonstrate the temporary need, otherwise the contract risks being converted into a 4+4.

Can I register residence in Milan with a short-term contract?

No: the short-term contract doesn't allow registration of official residence. If you need residence, the suitable options are the concordato lease (3+2) or the free-market lease (4+4).

What documents do I need to sign?

You need an ID document or passport and an Italian tax code (codice fiscale), essential for registering the contract. For the concordato, payslips or tax returns are normally required in addition; for the short-term contract, lighter requirements are enough, potentially with a guarantor.

We take the greatest care to provide useful, verified information, but errors, omissions or inaccuracies are always possible. If you spot any, we apologise: please let us know at ar4mgmt@gmail.com and we'll put it right.