Italy has banned metal key boxes outside rental properties in the latest move to regulate Airbnb lettings around the country.
The new rule is forcing Airbnb owners to greet their guests in person and thereby replaces the practice where renters would collect keys from a locked box. The change, according to Italian police chief Vittorio Pisani, is in place to stop “dangerous people” from avoiding police. He connected some Airbnb rentals with criminal and terrorist organisations and underlined the necessity of strict regulations.
Addressing Security Concerns
Through Airbnb properties, anyone can rent accommodations online without having to present documents in person. That loophole, says Pisani, has increased security risks.
“The need has arisen to implement stringent measures aimed at preventing threats to public order and safety linked to the possible housing of dangerous persons involved in criminal or terrorist organisations,” Pisani said.
Key boxes, which are often accessed with a code shared online, have now become a symbol of unregulated short-term lettings.
Florence Takes the Lead
Florence introduced a similar ban in November last year to deal with over-tourism. It has seen an explosion in the number of visitors, which has led to a rise in Airbnb conversions that residents can no longer afford. In protest, locals have vandalised key boxes, placing red crosses on them or affixing stickers that read: “Let’s save Florence so we can live in it.”
The flood of tourists, 7.8 million visitors in 2024 this has strained the city’s resources. Florence’s council has warned the numbers are unsustainable, threatening the city’s heritage and livability.
Public Backlash and Larger Problems
The rise in short-term lettings has stoked anger among other cities’ residents, who have daubed key boxes with messages such as: “Less short lets, more houses for all.”.
Tourists’ behavior has also come under criticism. Last week, a tourist climbed up and kissed a copy of Giambologna’s Bacchus statue in Florence, prompting authorities to call for stiffer punishment for vandalism. “Florence is a city that doesn’t make visitors respect it,” said Patrizia Asproni of Confcultura, calling for a “zero tolerance” approach. Police chief Antonella Ranaldi added, “Tourists are welcome, but there must be respect for our monuments, whether they are originals or copy.” Broader Implications The national ban on key boxes reflects a significant shift in how Italy will approach short-term rentals, a growing tension between preserving cultural heritage and accommodating tourism.