Italy’s latest attempt to ban self check-in for short-term rentals has been overturned by the courts, allowing the return of key boxes to city streets.
The controversial measure, introduced by the Ministry of the Interior last November, had sparked strong reactions from both property owners and travellers, who valued the convenience of self check-in for stays in properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb.
The ruling that changes the landscape
The Lazio administrative court annulled the ban, ruling that the directive imposed “excessive burdens on landlords.” This decision restores the use of key boxes in public spaces, particularly at building entrances and facades, reversing the concerted efforts by cities like Florence and Rome to remove them.
The initial ban was presented as a response to security concerns linked to the absence of face-to-face interactions during check-in. It was also supported by groups opposing overtourism, who saw the proliferation of key boxes as an aesthetic nuisance in public spaces.
Industry response
Marco Celani, president of the short-term rental association AIGAB, welcomed the ruling, noting that the sector is already in talks with the government for the “full recognition” of remote check-in technology. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry has stated that it will wait for the official reasoning of the ruling before deciding whether to appeal to a higher administrative court.
A ruling with wider implications
The court’s reversal of the ban reshapes the short-term rental landscape and public space management. While proponents of stricter regulation see the return of key boxes as a setback for aesthetics and safety, property owners and managers view it as a win for flexibility and the evolving technology of the hospitality sector.
The key question remains: how can Italy balance the convenience of tourism with the need to preserve the quality of life in cities strained by visitor numbers?
