Finding a room in Turin can be exciting, but it can also be stressful, especially for international students. Unfortunately, the rental market hides many common mistakes and real scams that often target students coming from abroad.
This article explains what to watch out for so you can rent safely and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Renting without a contract
One of the most common mistakes is accepting a room without a regular rental contract.
Why this is a problem:
- no legal protection
- no possibility to register your residence
- issues with the residence permit
- risk of being asked to leave without notice
Always ask for a written and legally registered contract.
Paying before seeing the room
If someone asks you to:
- pay a deposit immediately
- send money before any visit
- rent without a video call
you should be very careful.
This is one of the clearest signs of a scam.
What to do instead:
- ask for a live video tour
- make sure the person can actually access the apartment
- be cautious with anyone who pressures you to pay quickly
Not verifying the owner or landlord
Many scams happen because the person renting the room is not the real owner.
Before signing anything:
- ask for an ID document
- check that the name on the contract matches
- make sure the person has the legal right to rent the room
Ignoring extra costs
Sometimes the rent looks affordable until you discover that many costs are not included.
Always check:
- condominium fees
- utilities such as electricity, gas, water, internet
- heating system and related costs
A good question to ask is: how much do I pay per month on average, all included?
Trusting photos only
Nice photos do not guarantee a nice room.
Photos can be:
- outdated
- edited
- taken from a different room
The safest option is a live video call or an in-person visit if you are already in Turin.
How to rent safely in Turin
To summarize, make sure you have:
- a written contract
- a video visit
- verified identities
- traceable payments
- clear information about costs and rules
How EasyStudent can help
EasyStudent was created to help international students:
- find verified rooms in Turin
- avoid scams
- receive support in English
- handle contracts and local bureaucracy