To be honest, when Michael and Monica first contacted me, my reaction was: “Where am I going to find a long-term rental in such a small town?”
In Italy, finding long-term rentals is becoming increasingly difficult because of the spread of short-term tourist rentals — more profitable and easier to manage for landlords.
Michael and Monica, together with their family, come from Sweden. They fell in love with Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, a charming small town in Tuscany, and it was there that I had to help them realize their dream of living like locals.
Their Main Challenges
- They couldn’t find any rental homes online in the area.
- They had no idea whom to contact locally and felt it was impossible to find something suitable.
- Most of all, they were looking for someone to open doors that seemed closed and guide them through all the practical steps.
How I Supported Them
Michael and Monica started their journey with me by sharing their dream of living in Tuscany, but very quickly we had to face the reality of an extremely limited market. That’s when I stepped in:
- I personally contacted the Pro Loco, the Municipality, and several local agencies.
- Through persistence and networking, I found a property not yet officially on the market.
- I coordinated with the agency to manage all the necessary steps, including:
- Getting their Italian codice fiscale.
- Setting up utilities.
- Supporting them in the opening of a bank account.
Our Ongoing Collaboration
Even after securing their rental home, I continue to support Michael and Monica with the essential practicalities of living in Italy. From liaising with the agency to helping them manage bureaucracy, they know they can rely on me whenever a new step arises.
Fun Fact
- The only local real estate agent was on maternity leave, and it was impossible to rent the only house matching their criteria through the usual channel.
- When they finally entered their new home, it wasn’t cleaned at all — something that surprised them at first, but I explained it’s actually quite common in Italy.
A Journey Based on Clarity and Trust
Michael and Monica’s story proves that sometimes the perfect home isn’t visible online — it takes persistence, local connections, and someone who truly cares to make it happen. For me, it’s a privilege to be their trusted point of reference in Italy.
“We would never have been able to arrange a rental contract in Italy without Barbara’s help. She was always available, solution-oriented, and supported us with everything from finding the apartment to insurance and utilities. Barbara made an otherwise impossible process simple. Her support was invaluable, and we wholeheartedly recommend her. Without a doubt, we will turn to her again”
Monica & Michael 🇸🇪