No more keyboxes around the city, Venice “barters” long-term tourist rentals just to make them disappear

The Municipality of Venice is studying a new regulation that allows long-term tourist rentals, over 4 months, provided that the keybox system, which is unpopular with tourists and citizens, is not used

VENICE – Not a ban, but an incentive to get rid of keyboxes (or lockboxes), the safety boxes equipped with a combination in which the keys of the apartments are inserted by many owners of holiday homes to avoid having to personally deliver them to their guests without the ‘hassle’ of having to show up in person. Venice is trying to combat the phenomenon, incentivizing owners of B&Bs. How? With a new regulation that allows those who accept a series of requirements in the management of tourist reception (including the personal delivery of keys) to be able to rent the accommodation for a period longer than the 120 days permitted by law. This is the new development illustrated today by Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, together with the renewal (with some changes) of the contribution for access to the city. “We have never demonized the issue of tourist rentals, but not all management is the same: some have chosen the padlock system, which creates problems for tourists. For many, tourist rentals are a legitimate and regular income. We accept that you continue this entrepreneurial activity, adapting it, however, to the sensitivity of the city”, the mayor points out.

The resolution, which will now begin its process in the City Council, provides for the adaptation of the urban planning regulation, so that the residential destination of a property is added to the tourist destination, so that you can choose whether to rent for long periods or short periods, indifferently. To join, the owner will have to present a Scia, declaring that the property is intended for tourist rental, and agree to sign a management regulation, which requires physical presence at check-in, the indication of a telephone number always active for any eventuality, the provision of instructions for separate waste collection and bags to be used for waste to guests.

“We recognize the freedom of people to have an income and the right of residents and neighbors not to have problems”, Brugnaro highlights. Once the resolution is approved, owners will have 120 days to apply. After that, it will no longer be possible to access the exemption until the end of 2026. “The next administration will decide what to do”, specifies the mayor. Among the new features, also a more stringent definition of the 120 days in which it will be possible to rent the holiday home in case you do not want to join the new regulation. “It will not be enough to say that you will rent for 120 days from January 1 to December 31. You will have to indicate the exact days on which you will rent. If you do not have reservations for the dates indicated, they will be wasted days”, Brugnaro points out. The municipal police will carry out specific checks on the owners’ declarations.

“We are not motivated by ideological hatred or a punitive vision. There are those who try to sow discord, but we are here to find balance”, claims the councilor for Economic Development, Simone Venturini. “This is a collaboration regulation that serves to raise the quality of hospitality. If someone violates the Scia, the permit to rent for more than 120 days will be withdrawn“, warns the councilor. “There will be no more visitors arriving and finding themselves in a basement,” assures the Councilor for Commerce, Sebastiano Costalunga.