Self-check-in banned for Italian holiday rentals
3 min read
Tourists staying in short-term holiday rentals across Italy will no longer be able to check in using key boxes, a practice that has become common in the country in recent years. This decision, enforced by Italy’s police chief, mandates that property owners personally verify the identity of their guests before allowing them access to the accommodation.
The ban, which is aimed at enhancing security, follows similar measures introduced in Florence and responds to concerns regarding potential criminal or terrorist activity linked to the growing short-term rental market. The widespread use of key boxes and other remote check-in methods, which have made it possible for guests to enter properties without ever meeting the hosts, has become a hallmark of the tourism boom in Italy. These systems have made it easier for tourists to access rentals, but they have also sparked criticism related to both security risks and the impact of overtourism.
Police Chief Vittorio Pisani addressed the media, emphasizing that this new rule was necessary due to the risks posed by anonymous check-ins. According to Pisani, the need for stringent measures had grown more urgent due to the potential for “dangerous persons and/or individuals connected to criminal or terrorist organizations” to gain access to properties without proper identification checks. In a directive to local authorities, Pisani explained that his office was enforcing the obligation for all accommodation providers—whether hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, or short-term rentals—to verify the identity of guests through an in-person visual check.
The new regulation comes at a time when global security concerns are heightened. Pisani stressed that the order was issued in response to the increasing prevalence of short-term rentals and the need for added vigilance, particularly in light of international events. These include major events such as the Catholic Church’s planned Jubilee celebrations in 2025, which are expected to attract millions of visitors to Rome and other Italian cities. Pisani argued that in such “delicate historical moments,” ensuring security through stronger identification checks was crucial.
Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed his support for the new measure. He welcomed the order, viewing it as a significant step toward enhancing security controls and preventing unauthorized access to rental properties. Additionally, he noted that the move would help curb the issue of unfair competition within the accommodation sector, as the relaxed check-in process has often been exploited by some property managers to bypass regulations.
The rising popularity of short-term rentals, especially through platforms like Airbnb, has transformed the Italian tourism landscape in recent years. While many tourists and hosts have praised the convenience and affordability of these rentals, local residents and city officials have increasingly voiced concerns about the impact of overtourism. In particular, key boxes have become symbolic of the negative effects of this trend, including the loss of authentic neighborhood experiences and the disruption caused by large numbers of transient visitors.
Critics of the self-check-in system argue that it undermines the spirit of community and safety in residential areas. They point out that the ability to bypass personal interaction with hosts makes it harder to regulate who is staying in the area, which can lead to security concerns. By mandating in-person identity checks, the Italian authorities aim to address these issues and ensure that only properly vetted individuals are staying in short-term rentals.
However, the new policy has not been universally welcomed. Some rental property owners fear that the stricter regulations could add significant burdens to their operations, especially in popular tourist destinations where managing in-person check-ins for large numbers of guests may be impractical. For many, the convenience of key boxes has been seen as an essential feature of the short-term rental experience, allowing for flexibility in guest arrivals and departures.
Despite these concerns, the Italian government remains firm in its decision, citing the need for enhanced security and accountability in the wake of increasing tourism. As the travel industry continues to evolve, authorities in Italy are prioritizing the safety of both visitors and residents, with additional measures expected to follow in the coming years.
In the broader context, this move is part of a growing trend across Europe, where governments are grappling with the challenges of managing the rapid rise of short-term rental platforms. While many travelers value the convenience of self-check-in and the ability to avoid face-to-face interactions, the new rules in Italy reflect the balancing act between fostering tourism and ensuring safety and order in cities already dealing with high visitor volumes.
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