Short rentals, the single European code arrives

The single European code for short tourist rentals arrives. While Italy is finalising, with some delays, the operationalisation of the rules it gave itself at the end of the year, the EU framework of rules on the subject is taking a substantial step forward.

On 18 March, in fact, the EU Council gave the green light to the regulation on the collection and sharing of data on these rental services. This is the final step: the text is now expected to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It will become fully operational in 24 months.

The turning point of the regulation is the establishment of a single European database of short rentals, which will be able to contain information on a market that in August last year counted 124.7 million overnight stays booked through online platforms. The aim is to increase the traceability of these services, through a harmonised European online registration process.

Something very similar to the single national code on which Italy is working. In recent weeks, meanwhile, discussions have been going on between the government and the regions on the platform that will enable dialogue between all the regional software currently in existence. While, in fact, about half of the regions use a single software (Ross1000), the others use different systems. The work in this phase aims precisely at finding a channel for dialogue between these different tools that will enable the launch of the national platform.

Returning to the regulation, this provides for a registration process through which hosts will identify themselves and their properties in detail. For instance, the address, the type of unit, the number of beds, the identity of the landlord (natural or legal person) will be communicated. At the end of this process, a registration number will be issued for inclusion in a public register, which will identify the property, allow it to be rented out and facilitate checks by the authorities.