All of the long-term permanent rentals

I'm surprised as I would have thought they wanted some sort of guaranteed time to rent out a place. Perhaps it's worth posting the areas you would like to be and when on a few forums like this and seeing if some ex-pats owners want a break from their house here and make a bit money on the side.... .

Someone also suggested we go there and talk to a realtor that much on the internet is for short stays, vacation rentals, etc.  Also the government rules for permanent residency state you need a years lease.  Guess we will see when we get there.  Have been there four times, but never before with the intention of living there on a permanent basis.  

I would tend to think that you have been looking at holiday rentals, which are the ones you get widely advertised on line. You may have a search using the words "affitto a lungo termine" which would describe the type of rental you are looking for. A local agent could also help.

Thank you, But I did try that and places come up, mostly well over $1,000 US, but still always say:  (monthly, no contract)  We will just have to go, rent a car, and do some looking around.  My husband is learning Italian, he is good with languages (I suck).  He speaks English, German and Spanish.  We lived in Cuenca, Ecuador for 3 years and had to leave.  No culture, terrible cheese and other food, bad wine.  We moved to Ireland last year, but a bit too cold.  So looking forward to Italy on a permanent basis.   

Youre looking at the wrong sites.  soloaffitti.it or immobiliare.it have lets - for 1 year or for the more usual 4 year period.   Contracts must be registered by law if they are over 30 days.   Having said all of this, it is much easier finding a rental when you are on the ground - alot arent even advertsied on the internet. 

Thank you.  We found the same in Ireland, you need to be on the ground.  My husband is learning Italian (he is good with languages, I am not)  Will pass these sites on to him and will try them a bit myself.  So looking forward to living in Italy.  We were there in 2003, 2007 and twice this year for the Food Expo and other areas around Milano.