Guests staying in rental accommodations in Italy, including Airbnb and Booking properties, will now be required to meet property owners in person upon arrival. The new regulation, signed into law on November 18, mandates that owners must greet guests face-to-face to check in, effectively banning the use of key boxes and automated check-in systems in short-term rental properties.
This move follows growing discontent in several European cities regarding the impact of short-term rentals on local neighborhoods. In major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan, protests against the rise of Airbnb properties have intensified, with residents sabotaging key lockboxes to express frustration over the rising cost of housing and the disruption caused by transient visitors.
The Italian government cited “public order and safety risks” as the primary reason for the ban, which aims to ensure proper identification of guests. The Interior Ministry explained that the use of self-check-in systems, which often involve keypads or lockboxes, presents a security threat by allowing individuals to enter properties without proper identification. This practice, they argue, could potentially allow dangerous individuals to use rental properties without being flagged by local authorities.
The government’s concerns are compounded by upcoming high-profile events in Italy, including the 2025 Jubilee celebrations in Rome. The ministry stressed that these events could draw large crowds, heightening the need for tighter control over short-term rentals.
The new regulation means guests will no longer be able to access properties independently, as has been common practice with key code systems. Instead, property owners or managers are required to meet guests in person to verify their identity and ensure that check-in procedures are followed. Within 24 hours of check-in, owners must submit guests’ personal details and identification documents to local police authorities.
Local officials have expressed support for the new rule. Roberto Gaultieri, the mayor of Rome, described the ban as “good news for everyone.” He welcomed the end of the “padlocks and boxes that disfigure our streets,” adding that he would work on strategies to remove such devices and ensure proper security checks.
The new law is expected to affect all short-term tourist accommodations, including those booked through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. It marks a significant shift in how rental properties are managed in Italy, with an emphasis on improving security and public safety.
