NEW RULES FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS IN ITALY

Feb. 25 | Like many countries, Italy has been looking for ways to attempt to preserve their identity through the onslaught of tourists. And like many countries, one of the targets have been short-term rentals like Air BnB and VRBO. What does this mean for those of us who choose short-term rentals as a relatively cheap yet spacious way to travel with family and friends? Well, not a whole lot. Here’s the beef on the skinny:

The New Rule

Specifically, as of late-2024, Italy is now banning self check-ins on short-term rentals. It turns out those super convenient lockboxes are in lots of cases affixed to centuries-old buildings are not only ruining the look of the buildings, they’re damaging the buildings themselves.

When will this take effect?

It’s already happening! Lockboxes started getting removed ahead of Jubilee.

What does this mean for me?

Well it won’t be as convenient, but this really impacts the host more, as now they’ll have to greet renters on-site. That means they’ll need to hang out in the apartment until you arrive to let you in. Personally, I don’t mind that; I like meeting the folks who own the property I’m staying at. But I’d imagine the hosts are grumbling about having to wait around potentially for hours while their guests attempt to make it from the plane, through customs, and into the city center.