Italy Enhances Security in Short-Term Rentals with In-Person Check-Ins

Sat Dec 13 2025 09:40:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A new directive in Italy requires property owners to conduct in-person identity checks for guests, eliminating self-check-in through key boxes in rental properties.

To bolster security and curb potential risks associated with short-term rentals, Italy has mandated that property owners verify guest identities in person, a decision welcomed by city officials as a proactive measure against overtourism and crime.

In a significant move aimed at enhancing safety, Italy has officially banned self-check-in for short-term holiday rentals. As per the latest directive from the country's police chief, owners must personally verify the identity of their guests upon arrival, eliminating the use of key boxes that have become increasingly popular among property owners. This measure is not only seen as a security enhancement but also as a response to concerns over overtourism and the negative visual impact of these key access methods.

Police Chief Vittorio Pisani emphasized the critical need for these changes, citing a rise in "the possible housing of dangerous persons and/or persons linked to criminal or terrorist organisations." The decision follows similar steps taken in Florence, aligning with heightened security measures during a period that he described as "delicate" on an international level.

In his statement to local prefectures, Pisani pointed out the urgency of implementing "stringent measures" as the phenomenon of short-term rentals has intensified, particularly with major political, cultural, and religious events on the horizon, including the Catholic Church's Jubilee celebrations set for 2025.

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri expressed his support for this new regulation, asserting that it will lead to "more effective controls on access" while also acting as a deterrent against unfair competition within the hospitality sector. As Italy continues to grapple with the challenges of tourism and safety, this new directive marks a pivotal shift in how short-term rentals operate within the country.