Italy Clamps Down on Short-Term Rentals: Self-Check-In Protocols Banned

Italy has enacted a new regulation barring self-check-in for short-term rentals, requiring hosts to meet guests in person for identity verification. This initiative, driven by security concerns, aims to regulate the growing popularity of these rentals amidst increasing risks.

Tourists hoping for self-service check-ins at Italian holiday rentals will have to rethink their travel plans. The country's police chief has imposed a new rule prohibiting the use of key boxes that allow guests to access properties without an in-person introduction. This decision, which echoes similar bans in Florence, is part of a broader effort to enhance security amid rising concerns over the surveillance of potential threats, including those linked to criminal or terrorist organizations.

The popularity of short-term rentals has surged in recent years, leading many property owners to adopt remote check-in solutions to streamline the guest experience. However, these key boxes have drawn criticism for embodying the overtourism problem and contributing to negative visual impacts within communities. Police Chief Vittorio Pisani noted that the imperative for these regulations stemmed from the urgent need to "implement stringent measures" to ensure public safety.

In a communication sent to local prefectures, Pisani emphasized this approach during a "delicate historical moment at an international level," referencing the need for accommodation providers to conduct a visual identity check on guests. The timing of this directive coincides with notable upcoming events, including the Catholic Church's anticipated 2025 Jubilee celebrations, which further motivated law enforcement to tighten regulations.

Rome's Mayor Roberto Gualtieri endorsed the directive, suggesting that it would bolster controls on property access while curbing unfair competition within the tourism sector. As Italy continues to navigate the rising wave of short-term rentals against the backdrop of public safety, this policy change highlights a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for holiday accommodations.