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The days of arriving late at an Airbnb in Italy and opening the key box to rent yourself out will soon be over after the country imposed a ban on self-check-in under a new law it says is needed to prevent potential terrorism to combat.
In a move welcomed by those who fear the popular travel destination is at risk of being overwhelmed by tourists, law enforcement officers will be deployed to ensure that key boxes and keypads are removed from self-check-in properties, the Italian ministry of Home Affairs. Ministry.
The ban means a tightening of Italian legislation. All tenants, regardless of occupancy, must be registered with local police stations, but in recent years property managers have forwarded photocopies or cell phone photos to a messaging service to comply with the rules.
Now they have to personally carry out physical checks.
The new regulation is necessary to “implement strict measures aimed at preventing risks to public order and security regarding the possible housing of dangerous people or people associated with criminal or terrorist organizations,” according to the circular in which the ban is announced.
This comes as the city of Rome braces for a flood of tourists for the Vatican’s holy jubilee year in 2025 and Italy hosts the Winter Olympics in Cortina in 2026, both events with Airbnbs and other short-term rentals already booked.
‘Good news for everyone’
The decision to introduce the ban was taken “in light of the intensification of the phenomenon of short-term rentals throughout the country, coupled with the numerous political, cultural and religious events planned in the country, also in view of the anniversary celebrations, which According to estimates, 30 to 35 million tourists will come to Italy,” the circular said.
Local authorities have already welcomed the move, which follows a ban on key boxes imposed by the Tuscan city of Florence in mid-November.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri told CNN he welcomed the ban. He said padlocks and key boxes are “disfiguring our streets” and called 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 a first check on unfair competition,” he said in a statement to CNN.
Italian Tourism Minister Daniela Santanché called the ban “an essential step to prevent risks and guarantee a peaceful and positive tourist experience.”
CNN has reached out to Airbnb for comment.
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