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Introduction: Airbnb Faces New Regulations in Italy’s Tourism Market
In response to rising tourism in Italy’s major cities, the Italian government is rolling out new regulations for short-term rentals like Airbnb. Starting in 2025, stricter measures aim to protect residential areas, curb unregistered rentals, and promote responsible tourism, particularly in cities with historic centers. For Airbnb hosts, understanding these updates is crucial to staying compliant and adjusting to Italy’s evolving short-term rental landscape.
Proposed Legislation: Major Changes to Airbnb Hosting
The Ministry of Tourism’s latest legislative proposals reshape how short-term rentals operate on platforms like Airbnb. The updates affect aspects like minimum stay requirements, the introduction of a National Identification Code (CIN), and increased scrutiny in high-density tourist areas. This legislation aims to provide clarity and control in cities where tourism pressures are high, such as Rome, Venice, and Florence, balancing tourist demands with local resident needs.
Two-Night Minimum Stay Requirement in Historic Centers
A key provision under the new law mandates a minimum two-night stay for Airbnb guests in certain high-density tourist areas, particularly in historic centers. This rule applies to roughly 1,000 municipalities in Italy’s most popular tourist cities, including:
- Rome
- Milan
- Naples
- Florence
- Venice
- Bologna
- Turin
- Genoa
For tourists seeking short-term accommodations, this could mean shifting from Airbnb to traditional hotels for single-night stays. The two-night minimum requirement could affect the availability and profitability of Airbnb listings, particularly in prime areas. For families or large groups (one parent with three or more children), a potential exemption may apply, although details are still under discussion.
National Identification Code (CIN) Requirement: A Standardized System for Rentals
Italy’s new regulations introduce the Codice Identificativo Nazionale (CIN), a national identification code that replaces regional identifiers. This mandatory code must be prominently displayed in both the physical property and online listings. The Ministry of Tourism will manage this data through a central database, with Airbnb and other platforms expected to ensure compliance.
Obtaining the CIN requires online registration through Italy’s national database, where hosts provide property details and obtain unique codes for each listing. The CIN also enables better tracking of rental activities and tax compliance, with fines ranging from €800 to €8,000 for non-compliant properties. Hosts who previously operated under regional codes must transition to the CIN by 2025 to avoid penalties.
Stricter Regulations for Property Managers: The Introduction of Business Codes
For professional hosts managing multiple properties or large portfolios, the new regulations require the use of specific business codes (Ateco codes) and mandate acting as tax agents for their listings. These measures position property managers as intermediaries, responsible for ensuring legal compliance. Airbnb has voiced support for these changes, noting that clearer regulation could strengthen the platform’s role in Italy’s tourism market.
Increased Local Oversight and Tourist Tax Requirements
Alongside national regulations, local governments are gaining more control over short-term rental policies. Cities like Venice and Florence have expressed intentions to increase local tourist taxes or introduce new fees on Airbnb bookings, particularly in historic areas. Venice, for example, plans a new nightly tourist tax that could further impact hosts’ pricing and profitability. Hosts should monitor local regulations as they vary significantly from one municipality to another.
Opposition to New Tourism Regulations
Despite support from some stakeholders, new short-term rental regulations have met opposition. Short-term rental associations have voiced concerns about the two-night minimum, arguing that it could discourage travelers from using Airbnb for shorter stays, potentially driving demand for unregistered rentals. Some mayors, aligned with broader European tourism management perspectives, have called for even stricter controls, including further caps on the number of annual rental days allowed.
Staying Compliant: Steps for Airbnb Hosts in 2025
To adapt to these new requirements, Airbnb hosts should consider the following steps:
- Apply for the CIN: Register through the national platform to obtain and display the required identification code for each property.
- Adjust Pricing and Minimum Stay Policies: Incorporate the two-night minimum stay requirement and local taxes in rental rates.
- Track Local Laws: Stay updated on city-specific rules and adjust listings as needed to avoid fines.
- Seek Professional Advice: For multi-property managers or high-income hosts, consulting a tax advisor may be helpful to manage compliance and tax deductions efficiently.
Conclusion: Adapting to Italy’s New Rules for Airbnb Rentals
Italy’s 2025 Airbnb regulations represent a fundamental change for short-term rentals, particularly in high-demand cities and historic districts. For Airbnb hosts willing to comply, the new framework offers a chance to participate responsibly in Italy’s evolving tourism economy. As Italy tightens control, Airbnb hosts can benefit by aligning with these standards, maintaining transparency, and positioning themselves for long-term success in one of Europe’s premier tourism destinations.
