Short-term rentals, check-in also possible with remote video control

The manager of a short-term rental accommodation is always obliged to identify de visu guests. He cannot therefore limit himself to simply receiving the documents and transmitting the opening codes for the doors or a keybox containing the keys. This is the meaning of the decision with which the Council of State effectively confirmed the Viminale circular that had shed light on the point and had been annulled by the Tar Lazio on 27 May 2025. The judges of Palazzo Spada emphasised, however, that the verification does not necessarily have to be "analogical", i.e. "in the presence", but can also be carried out remotely "by means of special connection devices set up (...) at the entrance as long as they are capable of ascertaining, hinc et nunc, the actual correspondence between the guest and the holder of the identity document".

"The decision of the Council of State confirming the obligation of de visu recognition of lodgers reinforces security and definitively clarifies the rules for all establishments, including short lets. Direct identity verification protects travellers and those living in the most exposed neighbourhoods and supports the daily work of the police force. It is a pronouncement that confirms the line supported from the beginning by the Viminale,' was the comment of the Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi.

But the Council of State's decision also satisfies operators, starting with Airbnb: "We welcome the Council of State's decision, which confirms that self check-in remains permitted when technology is used that allows real-time verification of the guest's identity. Self check-in is a feature used throughout the tourism industry. It allows guests and hosts to manage arrivals flexibly, adapting to unforeseen changes in travel plans and allowing safe access to accommodation at any time. Hosts are still required to check the identity of guests - either in person or via real-time video conferencing devices such as phone calls or video intercoms - and report them to the police within 6 to 24 hours of arrival. We remain at the disposal of the authorities for any discussion on security issues'.

"We welcome the full recognition of the line we have advocated. We are in favour of simplifications and open to the use of innovative technologies in our facilities, but when the safety of tourists and the peace of mind of residents are at stake, assessments must be particularly rigorous'. This is the comment of Confindustria Alberghi.

The ruling 'confirms the possibility of using certain technologies to recognise guests as long as they can prove that they have entered the flat,' comments Marco Celani, president of Aigab (Association of short-term rental managers). Who adds: 'The ruling opens up to what Aigab proposed to the Viminale in the months of talks that followed the famous circular of November 2024. We therefore hope for an imminent convocation of a table at the Ministry of the Interior to clarify once and for all the various technologies admitted by the Viminale for the purposes of recognising guests entering a structure'.