Seasonal rentals: Milan tightens the screws ahead of the Olympic Games

Following Florence and Rome, the economic capital of northern Italy has banned these boxes that have proliferated on poles and railings in the tourist areas of the city center. Landlords leave them near rental apartments so that tenants can retrieve them and check in on their own.

The ban, under penalty of a fine ranging from 100 to 400 euros, aims to prevent "inappropriate use of public space for the benefit of individuals", explained the city councilor behind the measure, Michele Albiani (Democratic Party, center-left).

The measure also aims to prevent "the use of key boxes for drug trafficking activities", "as observed in recent judicial investigations".

Milanese homeowners have thirty days to remove their devices.

Italy had banned online registration for apartment rentals on these platforms at the end of 2024, for security reasons, requiring that the landlord now physically see the tenants.

But a decision by the Council of State has allowed landlords to verify the identity of their tenants via electronic devices such as a camera, without being physically present in front of the apartment.

The Milan city council, which is preparing to host the Olympic Games from February 6, also approved in mid-November an increase in the tourist tax from January 1, 2026, raising it from 6,30 to 9,5 euros per day for seasonal rentals, and from 7 to 10 euros for 4 or 5 star hotels.

The Italian government has authorized the municipalities affected by the Games to implement these increases, half of which will be paid back to the State to compensate for part of the expenses related to the Games.