Setting up electricity, gas and internet in Italy: a guide for Americans

Who usually holds the contract

In a rental, the utilities may already be active in the previous tenant's or the landlord's name. You then either take the existing contract over or open a new one. Ask your landlord which situation applies before you do anything else.

Most providers ask for your Codice Fiscale, your passport or permit, the address of the property and the meter details. Having these ready is half the job.

Words you will meet

• Contatore: the meter, for electricity, gas or water.
• Voltura: moving an active contract into your name.
• Subentro: reactivating a supply that is switched off, in your name.
• Allaccio: a new connection where none exists.
• Bolletta: the bill.
• Intestatario: the person whose name is on the contract.
• Domiciliazione: paying the bill automatically from a bank account.

Which of these applies depends on the state of the property, so ask the landlord or the provider to name the right one.

Step by step

1. Ask the landlord whether the utilities are active, in whose name, and who is responsible for which bills.
2. Photograph every meter, with the number and the reading, on the day you get the keys.
3. Ask the landlord for the meter identification codes, which appear on previous bills.
4. Choose a provider and ask which operation applies: voltura, subentro or a new connection.
5. Read the contract before you accept it. Ask about the length of the commitment, how to cancel and what other charges appear besides consumption.
6. Set up payment. If you want automatic payment, ask whether it needs an Italian bank account.
7. Save the contract, the first bill and your meter photos in one folder.

Internet and phone

Internet is often arranged separately and can take longer than expected to activate, especially if a line has to be installed. Ask early, ideally before you move in, whether the property is already connected and which operators serve the address.

Phone contracts often need a Codice Fiscale and an Italian payment method. Ask the shop what they accept from non-residents.

Common mistakes

• Not photographing the meters on day one, then being billed for the previous tenant's use.
• Signing without knowing the contract length and how to cancel.
• Assuming the landlord has handled it. Ask for confirmation in writing.
• Losing the first bill. It is often the document that proves your address to other offices.

Questions to ask

• Are the utilities already active, and in whose name?
• Is this a voltura, a subentro or a new connection?
• What documents do you need from me, and can I send them online?
• How long is the contract, and how do I cancel it?
• Can I pay by card or do I need an Italian bank account?

What comes next

A first bill in your name is useful when you register your residence and set up your bank account. The checklist shows where utilities fit in the order of things.