Climate regulations in italy

To many foreigners, it comes as a surprise when their heating or ventilation turns on/off automatically, but in Italy the law strictly establishes thermal seasons with six different climatic zones across the country, that determine the dates and temperatures at which condominium buildings may provide centralised heating and/or cooling to apartment units. Heating is normally delivered centrally by the condominium to all apartment units indistinctly; meaning that there is no means for individual apartment units (or owners!) to determine when the heating systems activate.

There are specific dates determined by the municipality each year for when centralised heating systems can be turned-on for condominiums, private homes, shops and offices. In Milan (Climatic Zone E), the thermal season begins on October 22nd and ends of April 8th. This means that your condominium cannot provide heating between April 8th - October 22nd.

So when can we switch on the heat!?

Your condominium is allowed to turn-on the centralised heating NO EARLIER than October 22nd, until NO LATER than April 8th, for a maximum of 14-hours per day, at a temperature not exceeding 20°C (18°C for commercial spaces).

What if i’m too hot?

As utilities are delivered centrally by the condominium, the delivery of heating cannot be turned off, however individual radiator units can be lowered and/or turned off completely by utilising the manual knob on the individual radiator unit, to block the flow of hot water to an individual radiator unit.

In newer condominiums with underfloor heating, the temperature is determined by a condominium vote of all residents, within the parameters provided for by the laws pertaining to the regional climatic zone. Condominium assemblies are called either every 6 or 12 months.

In newer condominiums that feature centralised HVAC systems for cooling all apartment units, the temperature is determined by the condominium vote of all residents, within the parameters provided for by the laws pertaining to the regional climatic zone. Condominium assemblies are called either every 6 or 12 months.

In conclusion, ambient temperatures at apartments within condominium buildings with centralised utilities are maintained within the range of 20°C-28°C - year round.

IMPORTANT UPDATE : SEPTEMBER 2022

Under the latest government plan to combat national gas shortages, announced on Tuesday September 6th, the temperature in apartment condominiums will be delivered to a MAXIMUM of 19°C (66 Fahrenheit), and 17°C for business premises.

Furthermore, centralised heating in condominiums will not be available before October 23rd (up 8 days), limited to a maximum of 13 hours per day (down from the typical 14 hours).

These emergency regulations are nationwide and will apply to all residential apartment condominiums, including Nest Student Accommodations.

Read more about the latest regulations here!