In a bid to bolster security amidst rising short-term rental popularity, Italy has banned self-check-ins via key boxes, requiring hosts to verify guest identities in person.
Italy Introduces In-Person Check-in for Short-Term Rentals
Italy Introduces In-Person Check-in for Short-Term Rentals
New regulations mandate direct guest verification to enhance security in Italy’s vacation rental sector.
Tourists flocking to Italy will now face new check-in regulations for short-term rentals, as the nation’s police chief has announced a ban on self-check-ins using key boxes. Owners are now mandated to verify the identity of guests face-to-face, marking a significant shift in how holiday accommodations operate. This decision, framed as a necessary security measure, mirrors similar policies emerging in Florence.
With short-term rentals gaining immense traction, the reliance on key boxes—devices that facilitate remote access to properties—has raised concerns. Critics argue that these boxes contribute to overtourism and detract from the visual appeal of local neighborhoods.
Police Chief Vittorio Pisani emphasized the need for stricter identification protocols to mitigate risks associated with potential criminal or terrorist activities. In a formal communication to local prefectures, Pisani stressed that accommodation managers must conduct visual checks of their guests’ identities, given the current international climate that he described as "delicate."
The protocol comes against a backdrop of anticipated events including the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee celebrations, prompting city officials to enhance local security measures. Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed support for the new regulations, highlighting their potential to ensure tighter control over access and combat unfair market competition within the tourism sector.
