I met with my new landlord and my rental agent yesterday to sign the contract and leave my sec. deposit and Sept. rent. This is my first experience living in Italy, so I'm new to this! My rental agent speaks fluent English and my new landlord does, as well, so that made it easier. Here's my situation: Apparently, I had the option of leaving my security deposit, about 860 euros, in an escrow-type of account. I was confused about this and paid my deposit in cash (I did get a receipt). When I talked to my dad last night back in the US, he was horrified and said that I could possibly have made a big mistake and that now getting my sec. deposit back at the end of my contract could be difficult. I contacted the agent and she said that how I did the deposit was quite normal and not to worry, but I am pretty worried. My landlord seems reputable; he's an older gentleman with quite a few properties in Vicenza and is quite particular about his tenants. I asked a local and he told me that the fact that I went through an agency to rent the apt. should help me if there's any kind of problem. But I'm still worried. My teaching contract goes until June; I have to legally give a 3 month notice before I move, so I could potentially be moving again next summer and 800-something E. is a lot for me to lose. If anybody can help with similar experiences or even to just reassure me that I didn't make a huge mistake (I'm hoping that's the case!) I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

One way to get around this: about 3 months before the end of your lease, inform your landlord you wish to not pay the last 2 months rent in lieu of receiving your €860 deposit back (I'm guessing the €860 is 2 months rent- if not modify the proposal accordingly). Shouldn't be a problem.

We rent several apartments and also a couple of shops. Our renters have always paid us their deposits in cash and it has NEVER been a problem giving them their money back (of course we are honest people). I would think as long as you have your receipt, it shouldn't be a problem for you.

As far as using your deposit as your last two months rents, I am guessing your landlord will not want to do this. The deposit is cover any damages in the apartment caused by the renter and it is usually returned AFTER the renter has moved out IF there was nothing broken in the apartment.

Our last renter stiffed us on his last months rent, using his deposit as his rent. We were NOT happy about this, but it all worked out in the end as his deposit covered the rent plus damages. Had there more damages though, we would have hard a hard time collecting the money from our ex renter.


Best of luck,
Cyn

I'm presuming the landlord would want to take a look at the condition of the apartment prior to agreeing to the arrangement. If it's been trashed, he'll probably not consent.

I don't think it should be a problem but I have often had problems getting a deposit back from a landlord. Once, I got my Euro MP to write a letter as the deposit was witheld for cleaning (several hundred euros!) and it was later given to me. Another time, I left the appartment before the summer holidays in perfect condition. During the summer, the landlord's son moved in with some friends and trashed the shower and washing machine. Result? The landlord didn't believe me and witheld deposit. With negotiation, I managaged to get half back. That was through renting through an agency - who were actually less use than a chocolate teapot and gave me no peace of mind at all. I would recommend doing what a previous poster said and using the deposit to pay the last couple of months' rent.

I guess I don't really understand the question... is it that you left cash as a deposit or deposit at all... we left cash with the landlady even though we went through a agency...not only for rent but also for utilities... in the states we did the same and have never had a problem... you have a receipt for what you did... I don't think i would worry either...

I think she's regretting not choosing the escrow account.

I haven't a clue if ours was put in an escrow account...but I never thought it could make a difference since I had the receipt and I also think it is part of my contract...

out of curiosity is it too late to put it in escrow? and how does that protect you?

Thanks for the replies. I feel reassured!