Short-Term Rental Regulations in Italy 2026
The Essential Guide for Foreign Investors
Investing in the Italian real estate market, particularly in art cities like Florence, offers world-class returns. However, the legislative landscape for short-term rentals has become increasingly rigorous. For an international owner, navigating through national codes, local taxes, and safety requirements can be daunting.
At MMega Homes & Villas, we specialize in bridge-building between sophisticated investors and the Italian regulatory system. As a premier property management agency in Florence, we ensure your investment remains 100% compliant while maximizing your rental yield. This guide breaks down the essential short-term rental rules you need to know to operate legally and profitably in Italy.

1. General Framework and Legal Definitions
Understanding the legal nature of your rental is the first step toward a secure investment.
"Locazione Turistica" (Tourist Lease)
In Italy, a "short-term rental" is a lease agreement for residential use not exceeding 30 days. It is specifically designed for owners who do not provide "hotel-style" services (like daily breakfast or mid-stay cleaning).
- Key Benefit: This model is generally subject to a simplified tax regime.
- Professional vs. Non-Professional: If you manage more than four properties, the Italian authorities classify you as a professional business, requiring a VAT number (Partita IVA).
2. National Compliance: CIN and Mandatory Reporting
Transparency is the new standard in the Italian market. The government has introduced centralized systems to monitor the sector.
The CIN (National Identification Code)
The CIN is a mandatory identification code for every rental unit in Italy.
- The Rule: It must be displayed on every online listing (Airbnb, Booking.com) and physically at the entrance of the property.
- The Risk: Fines for non-compliance are severe, ranging from €800 to €8,000. We handle the application process for all our clients to ensure immediate compliance.
Questura (Police Notification)
By law, every guest's identity must be reported to the "Alloggiati Web" portal within 24 hours of arrival. This is a public security requirement; failure to comply is a criminal offense.

3. Tax Aspects: Understanding the "Cedolare Secca"
Italy offers a flat-tax regime that is highly attractive for foreign investors, provided it is managed correctly.
Flat Tax (Cedolare Secca) Rates
- 21% Rate: Applies if you rent out only one property under the short-term rental regime.
- 26% Rate: Applies to any additional properties (from the second to the fourth). As your property manager, MMega Homes & Villas assists in tax optimization, ensuring you apply the correct rates and benefit from any tax withholdings made by booking platforms.
4. Regional and Local Regulations: Focus on Florence
Local laws in Tuscany and specific ordinances in Florence add another layer of complexity.
The Florence Context
The city of Florence has strict rules regarding the UNESCO world heritage area. This includes specific registrations (CIR) and the management of the Tourist Tax (Tassa di Soggiorno). The owner is responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the Municipality. Our team handles the entire accounting and payment process on your behalf.

5. Mandatory Safety Equipment and Standards
Safety is no longer optional; it is a strictly enforced legal requirement for all short-term rentals.
Fire Safety and Detectors
Every unit must be equipped with:
- Certified Fire Extinguishers: At least one per floor or every 200 square meters.
- Gas and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors: Must be installed and functional with audible alarms. At MMega Homes & Villas, we conduct safety audits to ensure your property meets these standards before the first guest arrives.
6. Condominium Relations and Bylaws
Before purchasing or listing a property, it is vital to check the building's Regolamento di Condominio (Condominium Bylaws). Some older or "contractual" bylaws may restrict or prohibit short-term rentals. We provide due diligence services to verify these documents, preventing future legal disputes with neighbors.

MMega Homes & Villas: Your Strategic Partner in Florence
For an international investor, the difference between a high-performing asset and a legal headache lies in professional management. MMega Homes & Villas provides a turnkey solution for property management and real estate investment.
We are more than just a booking agent; we are your local representatives. From obtaining your CIN to managing complex tax filings and ensuring 5-star guest experiences, we cover every aspect of short-term and tourist rental management.
Why International Investors Choose Us:
- Full Legal Compliance: We navigate the Italian bureaucracy so you don't have to.
- Expert Local Knowledge: Deep roots in the Florence market.
- Transparent Reporting: Clear financial statements in English.
- Asset Protection: Regular maintenance and strict safety checks.
Maximize your Italian investment with peace of mind
Contact us today for a free consultation and start earning with the peace of mind of having an authoritative and reliable partner by your side.
Contact MMega Homes & Villas for a free consultation and revenue projection.