Naples limits short-term tourist rentals to 30% per building

The Naples City Council has approved a new urban planning regulation aimed at curbing the rapid expansion of short-term tourist rentals in the city's historic center. The measure introduces a “minimum residential threshold,” stipulating that at least 70% of the surface area within any given building must be reserved for ordinary residential use, limiting non-hotel hospitality activities, such as B&Bs and vacation homes, to a maximum of 30%.

This decision follows a massive surge in short-term rental listings, which grew from approximately 1,000 in 2016 to over 10,000 recently. Critics note that in some neighborhoods, one in seven apartments is dedicated to short-term stays, contributing to housing pressure that has displaced families, workers, and students. While the rule aims to limit future expansion, it is not retroactive and will not force existing B&Bs to revert to residential status.

Beyond housing, the city faces economic challenges regarding public space. Reports indicate significant tax evasion among local businesses; for instance, only about 31.6% of the required fees for occupying public land for outdoor seating were collected in 2025, leaving a deficit of approximately 4 million euros.