The most unfair and humiliating experience I’ve had in Italy
On Wednesday, the real estate agency assured me that the apartment was definitely mine and had me sign the documents. Everything had been confirmed clearly, without any doubts.
On Friday morning, when I asked when I could pick up the keys, they gave me a specific date. But just a few hours later, they messaged me saying: “The landlord changed his mind, we rented the apartment to someone else.” No clear explanation, no sense of responsibility.
I trusted them and, because of that, I had already turned down other housing options.
When I went to the office to ask for clarification, the owner (who speaks English) insisted on speaking to me only in Italian. This was clearly a humiliating and intentional gesture.
I could understand what he was saying, but due to the stress, I had trouble responding properly.
When I asked for the signed documents, they first said, “You didn’t sign anything.” After repeated requests, they only gave me a copy with my signature on the passport photocopy. The other signed documents were torn up in front of me and thrown in the trash, clearly to eliminate any evidence.
When I said I would call the police, the owner shouted at me: “Do whatever you want, wait outside.”
What I experienced was a clear example of disrespect, discrimination, and irresponsibility.
If you are an international student or tenant, be very careful. Do not trust this agency.