If you live legally in Italy and are looking for a way to secure decent housing at affordable prices, ERP Program (Edilizia Residenziale Pubblica), also known as Popular Cases, may be the ideal solution.
Registration is open in several regions of the country, and in this article you will understand how the program works, who can participate, what the benefits are and how to register step by step.
What is ERP – Edilizia Residenziale Pubblica?
ERP is a public program that offers subsidized houses and apartments for low-income families, legal residents in Italy.
The properties are not sold, but made available for use upon payment of reduced amounts, calculated based on the declared family income (ISEE).
These properties are owned by the government and are managed by regional entities called ATER (Azienda Territoriale per l'Edilizia Residenziale) or ALER in some regions, such as Lombardy. Management is carried out by region, and criteria may vary slightly from one area to another.
Who can apply for ERP?
The program is mainly aimed at:
- Italian or foreign citizens with legal residence in Italy;
- Low-income families, as calculated by ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator);
- People without another habitable property in Italian territory;
- Residents of the region where registration is being made;
- People in vulnerable situations, such as the elderly, single mothers, large families, people with disabilities or in situations of eviction.
Even foreigners with a valid permesso di soggiorno and long-term stay have the right to apply for the vacancies, as long as they prove residence and income within the criteria.

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Benefits of the Case Popolari program
Among the main benefits of ERP, the following stand out:
- Safe and legal housing for those who cannot pay market rent;
- Affordable prices, adjusted to family income;
- Houses and apartments generally equipped with basic structure (bathroom, kitchen, heating);
- Possibility of long-term stability for families in housing vulnerability;
- Institutional support with social monitoring in some cases.
The amount to be paid monthly depends on the type of property and income level. Families in extreme poverty may be exempt from symbolic amounts or pay very reduced rates.
How do registrations work?
Registration must be done through public flock — official notice published by common or region. These notices are opened periodically, usually once a year, and published on the websites of city halls or ATER/ALER entities.
To apply, the candidate must:
- Wait for the announcement to be made in your comune or region;
- Fill out the registration form with personal and family information;
- Attach mandatory documents, such as:
- Identity document;
- Tax Code (Codice Fiscale);
- Updated ISEE certificate;
- Certificate of family composition (Stato di famiglia);
- Proof of current residence.
- Submit everything within the deadline established in the notice.
Useful links by region
Below, you can check the official websites where you can follow the opening of the notices and register:
- Rome – ATER Rome: www.aterroma.it
- Milan – ALER Milano: www.aler.mi.it
- Turin – ATC Piedmont: www.atc.torino.it
- Naples – ATER Campania: www.aternapoli.it
- Florence – ERP Tuscany: www.casa.toscana.it
Each site provides detailed instructions on the criteria, documents and deadlines for each region.
Tips to increase your chances
- Keep your ISEE updated every year;
- Regularly monitor the website of the city hall or ATER in your region;
- Organize all documents before opening the notice;
- If possible, ask a social worker or employer for help;
- If you have been part of a previous group, keep an eye on the waiting lists.
O ERP Project – Edilizia Residenziale Pubblica It is an excellent opportunity for low-income families to obtain decent and stable housing in Italy. The process may require patience and attention to deadlines, but it represents a right guaranteed by law and accessible to citizens and legal residents.
If you meet the criteria, don't miss this chance. Follow the notices in your region, organize your documents and apply as soon as possible. A safe home, with a fair cost and legal support can change your family's reality.
Keep an eye out: Places are limited and highly sought after. Sign up and share this information with anyone who needs it!