Holiday houses in this European country are going through important changes. After years of betting on practical solutions such as code switches with code, known as “Key Boxes”, the government has decided to tighten control. The measure, justified by security reasons, required owners to receive guests in person. However, the controversy ended in the courts and the regulation has now been annulled.
It was in November 2024 that the Italian government prohibited the use of “Key Boxes” in the vacation apartments. These devices, which allow you to leave a key in a safe place and accessible to the visitor, are no longer permitted by law throughout the national territory.
From that date, the hosts were forced to check in personally. They had to identify guests on site, check their documents and communicate the data to the authorities within 24 hours.
Security First
According to Euronews, the Interior Ministry of Italy justified this decision with public security related concerns. The stated goal was to prevent these dwellings from being used by potentially dangerous or criminal activities. According to the Government of Italy, the photographs of identity tickets or digital tests are no longer considered enough to confirm the identity of guests.
The Court fought the measure
Despite the intentions, the prohibition of the Italian government was eventually contested in court. The Administrative Court of the Lazio region has now canceled this regulation, placing a brake on the obligation of face-to-face check-in. The decision relaunched the debate on the balance between security, privacy and flexibility in the management of tour licenses.
A growing industry
According to Istat data, the National Institute of Italian Statistics, cited by the same source, in 2023 were recorded 133.6 million arrivals in tourist housing. These include hotels, holiday homes, hostels and, of course, housing announced on platforms like Airbnb.
The number reflects the growing importance of tourism for the Italian economy, while raising new challenges for urban centers and permanent residents.
Airbnb’s strength in the country
The Airtics platform indicates that there are currently more than 511 thousand active ads from Airbnb in Italy. Of these, only about 49% indicate having an official short -term license. As with other countries, this lack of clear regulation has caused concerns with local authorities and communities.
We recommend:
Side Effects of Mass Tourism
From Rome to Venice, passing through Florence or Naples, the complaints are repeated. The constant arrival of tourists, especially through digital platforms, is having a direct impact on the housing market, says the source mentioned above. Increased demand for short stays makes many properties cease to be available for long -term lease, which contributes to the rise of income and accessible housing scarcity.
The “Key Boxes” on the Fire Line
The famous “Key Boxes”, who for years were seen as a symbol of modernity and autonomy, have become one of the favorite targets of criticism of excessive tourism.
These small coffers facilitate flexible check-in, without the need for the landlord, but are now accused of feeding the lack of tourist activity in historic centers and residential neighborhoods.
Protests in Spain
The discomfort with these practices is not exclusive to Italy, the same source says. In cities like Seville, in neighboring Spain, there were symbolic protests against the Chaves boxes. In some cases, they were even stained with stools as a way of revolt against excessive tourism in traditional neighborhoods. These extreme actions show the level of social tension that short -term tourism can generate in local communities.
Do other countries follow the example?
The Italian Court’s decision may, for now, to have the imposition of stricter rules, but the subject is far from resolved. Countries such as Spain, Greece or Portugal carefully follow the developments, says.
The central question is the same: how to guarantee security and social justice, without completely waging a weight economic activity?
For owners, the possibility of using “key boxes” represents convenience and autonomy. For city residents, it can mean insecurity, inconvenience and loss of quality of life. Finding a balance between these two worlds will be the biggest challenge of urban policies in the coming years.
Also read:
