What defines a studio flat? Regulations, features, and requirements

The soaring cost of rent has led many to opt for a studio flat, ideally located near university campuses or places of work.

In the vast sea of rental listings, it is not uncommon to come across properties that fail to meet basic standards or are simply unsuitable for even a short stay. Before signing a contract, it is essential to consider what features a studio flat should have. Let’s clarify.

What is a studio flat?

In the language of property listings, a studio flat refers to a small apartment consisting of a single room plus essential facilities.

How big does a studio flat need to be?

A studio flat must have a minimum surface area, including facilities, of at least 28 square metres for one person and 38 square metres for two people.

The national regulation governing the design of studio flats is the Ministerial Decree of 5 July 1975. These minimum size requirements are explicitly stated in Article 3 of this decree.

What is the minimum ceiling height for a studio flat?

The required ceiling heights apply to all types of residential properties, including studio flats:

• 2.40 metres for corridors, hallways, bathrooms, and storage rooms;
• 2.70 metres for all other living areas.

This rule applies throughout Italy, except in municipalities located over 1,000 metres above sea level, where the minimum height can be reduced to 2.55 metres due to climatic conditions and local architectural styles.

Since 2015, the minimum internal height may be reduced to 2.60 metres when refurbishments include energy-efficient upgrades, such as the installation of underfloor or radiant ceiling heating.

What are the key features of a studio flat?

A studio flat consists of a single room plus essential facilities. The main room serves multiple purposes, functioning as a kitchen, living area, dining space, study, and bedroom, while a separate bathroom is required.

Heating systems must be installed where climatic conditions make them necessary.

Is a window compulsory?

According to national regulations, every rented room must have a window to ensure proper ventilation and natural light, primarily for hygiene and health reasons.

A window is compulsory for the main room but not for the bathroom, where a mechanical ventilation system must be installed instead.

To comply with ventilation and natural lighting standards, the openable surface of the window must be at least one-eighth of the floor area.

Rooms that must have at least one openable window include: bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens

Tips for making the most of small spaces

• Opt for light-coloured walls to create a sense of openness and avoid a cramped feel.
• Maximise vertical space with shelves and tall furniture.
• Use furniture and partitions to divide the room into functional areas.
• Take advantage of natural light, and supplement with floor lamps for better illumination.
• Choose space-saving furniture, such as storage beds and built-in wardrobes.
• Use multipurpose storage solutions, including chests, floating shelves, and wall-mounted cabinets.
• Install a wall-mounted kitchen with compact appliances.
• Opt for stools with hidden storage to save space.
• Mount the TV on the wall to free up surfaces.
• Use mirrors on wardrobe doors to make the space feel larger.
• Keep furniture low to maintain an airy atmosphere.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

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Curiosities

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