The days of arriving late at an Airbnb in Italy and opening up the key box to let yourself will soon be over after the country issued a ban on self-check-ins under a new law it says is needed to combat potential terrorism.
In a move welcomed by those fearing that the popular travel destination is in danger of being overwhelmed by tourists, law enforcement officers are to be deployed to ensure the removal of key boxes and key pads on self-check-in properties, according to Italy’s Interior Ministry.
The ban represents a tightening up of Italian law. All renters, no matter what the duration of occupancy, must be registered at local police stations, but in recent years property managers have been forwarding photocopies or cell phone pics to a messaging service to comply.
Now they’ll have to make physical checks in person.
The new regulation is needed to “implement stringent measures aimed at preventing risks to public order and safety in relation to the possible accommodation of dangerous people or those linked to criminal or terrorist organizations,” according to the circular announcing the ban.
This comes as the city of Rome braces for an onslaught of tourists for the Vatican’s Holy Jubilee year in 2025 and Italy hosts the Winter Olympics in Cortina in 2026, both events during which Airbnbs and other short-term rentals have already been booked.
‘Good news for everyone’
The decision to enact the ban was made “In light of the intensification of the phenomenon of short-term rentals throughout the country, linked to the numerous political, cultural and religious events scheduled in the country, also in view of the Jubilee celebrations, which according to estimates will bring 30-35 million tourists to Italy,” the circular states.
Local governments have already welcomed the move, which comes on the heels of a ban on keyboxes issued by the Tuscan city of Florence in mid-November.
Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri told CNN he applauded the ban, saying padlocks and keyboxes “disfigure our streets,” and declaring it “good news for everyone.”
“I express my appreciation for a decision that I have been hoping for for some time, which clarifies and guarantees better prevention of abuse, more effective access controls and an initial brake on unfair competition,” he said in a statement to CNN
Italy’s tourism minister Daniela Santanché called the ban “an essential step to prevent risks and guarantee a peaceful and positive tourist experience.”
In a statement to CNN, Airbnb said it took security seriously and supported official efforts to crack down on illegal key boxes in public spaces. But it defended self-check-ins as a “convenient option for both hosts and guests to manage arrivals in a flexible way.”
“While we remain committed to promoting responsible hosting and ensuring that our platform continues to offer safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone, we look forward to to working with the Italian government on solutions that help address local safety concerns while meeting the needs of our hosts and guests community,” the Airbnb statement said.
