Italy debates short-term rental regulations amid housing crisis

Italy is experiencing a fragmented regulatory landscape regarding short-term tourist rentals as local authorities and national bodies clash over housing accessibility. In Puglia, the Regional Council approved a law granting municipalities in high-density tourist areas the power to establish specific criteria and limits for short-term rentals. This measure aims to balance tourism growth with the need to protect residential availability for students, workers, and families. The law allows local administrations to regulate urban zones, set occupancy standards, and define quality requirements, while excluding primary residences from these restrictions.

On a national level, the Italian government has rejected the European Union’s proposed Affordable Housing Act. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport expressed concerns regarding the legal basis of the proposal and its potential impact on private property rights and family savings. Simultaneously, professional groups like the Italian Federation of Professional Real Estate Agents (FIAIP) have voiced opposition to the EU regulation, arguing that the housing crisis requires long-term structural plans and property redevelopment rather than penalties on short-term rentals.

In the Trentino province, officials have also presented observations to the Chamber of Deputies, highlighting the tension between tourist accommodations and local housing needs. Data indicates a significant number of properties are used for tourism, impacting the availability of long-term residential options.