Italy cracks down on self check-ins for short-term vacation rentals • FRANCE 24 English

Summary

The Italian Ministry of the Interior has banned remote check-in for short-term rentals, including those on Airbnb, sparking controversy. Local property manager Cara argues that the policy is discriminatory, noting that remote identification is already widely used in other sectors like car rentals and banking. The ban stems from concerns about security and the impact of increasing tourist accommodations in Rome, which has led to a shortage of long-term rentals. As properties shift to holiday homes, rental prices rise, forcing many families to leave the city. Local groups are calling for stricter regulations, fearing the loss of neighborhood identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Italian Ministry of the Interior is cracking down on remote check-in systems used by Airbnb and similar platforms for short-term rentals.
• 😀 Remote check-in systems allow guests to access their holiday homes via a digital code, eliminating the need for host interaction upon arrival.
• 😀 Local property manager Cara, who oversees 130 flats, views the ban as discriminatory, pointing out that remote identification is used in other sectors like car rentals and banking.
• 😀 The ban on remote check-ins is motivated by security concerns as the number of short-term rentals has expanded rapidly in Rome.
• 😀 Rome has over 25,000 properties listed on Airbnb, significantly impacting the local long-term rental market.
• 😀 Many properties that were once rented to local residents are now being converted into tourist accommodations, exacerbating the housing shortage.
• 😀 Between 2019 and 2023, Rome lost 5,000 long-term rental properties, contributing to rising rental prices and housing scarcity.
• 😀 The shortage of long-term rental properties has pushed families out of Rome due to unaffordable rent, particularly affecting students and low-income households.
• 😀 Local residents' groups are protesting against the increase in tourist accommodations, claiming it threatens the social fabric and identity of neighborhoods.
• 😀 It is estimated that 50,000 families in Rome are currently facing difficulties in accessing accommodation, exacerbating the city's housing crisis.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Airbnb self-checking lockbox?

The Airbnb self-checking lockbox allows tourists to access the keys to their accommodation using a digital code, enabling them to check in without meeting the host in person.

Why is the Italian Ministry of the Interior banning remote check-in for short-term rentals?

The Italian Ministry of the Interior is banning remote check-in for short-term rentals due to security concerns related to the growing number of tourist accommodations in cities like Rome.

What is Cara's opinion on the remote check-in ban?

Cara, a local property manager who oversees 130 flats, considers the ban discriminatory, arguing that remote identification is already widely accepted in other sectors such as car rentals and banking.

How has the rise of Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms affected the property market in Rome?

The rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb has significantly impacted the property market in Rome, with over 25,000 properties now listed, leading to a shortage of long-term rental properties and higher rental prices.

What has been the effect on local residents due to the shortage of rental properties?

The shortage of rental properties in Rome has pushed up rental prices, making it difficult for many local families to afford housing. As a result, some families have been forced to leave the city.

How many fewer homes were available for long-term rental in Rome between 2019 and 2023?

Between 2019 and 2023, there were 5,000 fewer homes available for long-term rental contracts in Rome, which typically cater to families or students.

What are the primary concerns of local resident groups in Rome?

Local resident groups in Rome are concerned about the loss of social fabric and neighborhood identity due to the transformation of residential areas into tourist accommodations, leading to a lack of stability for long-term residents.

What is the estimated number of families struggling to find accommodation in Rome?

It is estimated that around 50,000 families are facing challenges in securing accommodation in Rome due to the growing number of tourist rentals.

How do local property managers and residents view the influx of tourist accommodations in Rome?

Local property managers and residents view the influx of tourist accommodations as a disruptive force, with many arguing that it contributes to higher living costs and the displacement of local families.

What is the broader social impact of the growing number of tourist rentals in Rome?

The broader social impact of growing tourist rentals in Rome includes the erosion of neighborhood identities, as areas are increasingly transformed into stopovers for tourists rather than stable communities for local residents.