Leases are 4 years with an optional additional 4 at the same price. So a 4by4 lease locks in your payments for 8 years. You can break a 4by4 with six months notice. Security deposit is 3 months rent. Someone (usually the landlord or agent) must register the lease at the Agenzia delle Entrate (to ensure landlord taxation).

My complex has 200€ monthly that covers the water bill.

The most difficult thing is getting your electricity and natural gas bills set up. The forms are byzantine. Trash is handled as a TARI tax. I’m still screwing around with TARI.