How to stay compliant with Italy’s updated vacation rental regulations

Why compliance matters now in Italy

Italy has introduced a series of new laws and enforcement measures aimed at improving transparency, safety and tax reporting in the short-term rental sector. These changes affect property owners whether they list through Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo or directly.

A key requirement is the Codice Identificativo Nazionale (CIN), a unique national registration code that all short-term rental properties must obtain and display on listings and at the property itself  a major change introduced by Italy’s Ministry of Tourism to curb unregistered rentals and improve data coordination.

Other compliance updates include stricter safety equipment rules and enhanced documentation obligations for all hosts.

Compliance ensures you can legally host guests, avoids costly fines and reinforces confidence for travellers booking your space.

What the national identification code (CIN) is

The Codice Identificativo Nazionale (CIN) is essentially a registration number for any property offered for short-term stays in Italy. It functions as a visibility and transparency tool for local authorities and potential guests. All hosts must have a CIN by law.

The main purposes of the CIN include:

• making your property officially recognised by the Italian tourism database

• enabling authorities to coordinate information consistently across regions

• discouraging illegal or unregistered rentals

Hosts should display their CIN:

• on the property itself (visible near the entrance or reception area)

• in all online listings (Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo and other sites)

This helps avoid listing removal for non-compliance.

Step-by-step: how to obtain a CIN

Getting your national code is straightforward if you know what’s required. The process generally involves:

1. Gather documentation
You’ll need proof of ownership or management authority, valid ID, a certificate of occupancy (Certificato di agibilità) confirming the property is fit for rental, and any safety or compliance certificates already in place.

2. Log in to the tourism portal
Using Italy’s digital identity system (SPID), log in to the Ministry of Tourism’s Banca Dati delle Strutture Ricettive (BDSR) portal.

3. Enter property details
Include the property type, address, guest capacity and any regional codes (such as a previous regional identifier) relevant to your listing.

4. Confirm safety compliance
Declare that the property meets mandatory safety requirements such as fire extinguishers and, where applicable, gas and carbon monoxide detectors.

5. Receive and display your CIN
Once approved, the portal issues your code, which you must use in all listings and on-site signage.

Hosts without a CIN can face fines  in some jurisdictions ranging from €800 to €8,000  and non-compliant listings may be removed.

Other key compliance requirements in Italy

Safety equipment and risk prevention

New rules mandate safety devices like fire extinguishers and gas/carbon monoxide alarms in properties intended for short-term lets to reduce risk and protect guests.

Visitor data reporting and check-in rules

As part of wider reforms, hosts are expected to collect and report guest information (including valid ID) to local authorities within stipulated timeframes, and traditional remote check-in options like lockboxes may no longer meet legal requirements in some municipalities.

Taxation and intermediary withholding

Italian law (e.g., Law 96/2017) introduced intermediary withholding requirements whereby platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com may withhold a portion of rental income for tax purposes  making proper documentation and compliance even more important.

It’s essential to stay informed as local regulations evolve and interpretations of compliance continue to be clarified across municipalities.

What happens if you don’t comply

Failing to meet Italy’s short-term rental compliance standards can lead to significant consequences:

• listing removal from major platforms

• monetary fines based on the type of violation

• administrative enforcement by local authorities

• loss of trust and lower guest conversion rates

Ensuring compliance protects your rental business and helps you operate with confidence and credibility in the Italian market.

How Travelnest supports compliance and listing management

Travelnest helps holiday let owners manage compliance requirements  both in Italy and across major global platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo  through:

• Centralised listing management: Update your CIN and regulatory details once and Travelnest propagates them across all channels.

• Expert support: Our team can guide you through the documentation and registration processes.

• Smart pricing and calendar sync: Ensure your compliance status never disrupts availability or pricing strategies.

• Guest communication tools: Use professional messaging templates to confirm compliance information with guests pre-arrival.

By consolidating your operational tasks and regulatory obligations in one dashboard, Travelnest simplifies multi-platform compliance and reduces manual admin.

Practical tips for Italy property owners

• Apply for your CIN early: Don’t wait until you’ve received bookings. Having a registered code boosts visibility and trust immediately.

• Display safety compliance prominently: Visible safety certificates reassure both guests and inspectors.

• Update all listings with CIN information: Missing this detail can result in listing removal.

• Stay on top of local rules: Municipalities may introduce additional requirements, so review local tourism authority guidance regularly.

Final thoughts

Hosting holiday lets in Italy offers remarkable opportunities, but it also comes with evolving legal obligations. Staying compliant with short-term rental regulations, especially obtaining and displaying your CIN protects your business, enhances guest confidence and ensures long-term success in a competitive European market.

Travelnest’s global distribution and expert support make it easier to manage these requirements while driving bookings across multiple platforms.

Get in touch with our team or log in to your Travelnest dashboard to manage your compliance details and keep your property performing well in Italy and beyond.