Modena illegal micro‑apartment rentals

In late July 2026 a 7‑square‑metre studio in Modena’s historic centre was advertised for rent at €200 per month plus utilities, despite the 2024 “Salva Casa” decree prohibiting dwellings under 20 m². The tenants’ union Sunia highlighted the listing as an example of extreme speculation and illegal housing.

A few days later, on 1 August, police inspected the same unit after Sunia Modena reported the case. The ad was later altered to claim an 11‑square‑metre size and to describe the space as “commercial”. Authorities gathered evidence and forwarded the file to the municipal Office of Abuses, while the city’s vice‑mayor emphasized the need for affordable housing under the “Piano Casa” plan. The investigation will determine whether sanctions are warranted, underscoring broader concerns about ultra‑small, high‑cost rentals in Italy’s rental market.