In recent years, Italy’s short-term rental market has experienced rapid growth, largely due to how easily property owners can rent out their homes for brief periods. However, this expansion has led to increased tax evasion and widespread non-compliance with local safety and hygiene regulations.

To address these issues, the Italian government introduced the National Identification Code (CIN), a system that requires all property owners offering short-term rentals to register their properties through a telematic portal managed by the Ministry of Tourism. Each property will receive a unique CIN, which must be included in all advertisements, both online and offline.

This initiative marks a significant shift in the tourist rental sector, aimed at increasing transparency and curbing tax evasion—problems exacerbated by the rise of platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.

Starting September 1, all regions in Italy will be fully integrated into the new system, requiring every rental property to have a CIN. This code will be mandatory in advertisements and displayed at the property itself.

The CIN: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

The National Identification Code (CIN) is now essential for anyone renting out a property. Major online platforms (OTAs) like Airbnb and Booking have committed to not listing properties without a CIN. This requirement extends beyond bed and breakfasts to include hotels, hostels, motels, farmhouses, campsites, and other accommodation types.

While the CIN system goes live on September 1, penalties for non-compliance won’t take effect until 2025. Fines for publishing ads without a CIN can reach up to €5,000, and property owners renting without a CIN risk fines as high as €8,000.

Industry Reactions

Federalberghi President Bernabò Bocca welcomed the introduction of the CIN, calling it "a first step toward combating illegal activities." He emphasized that the CIN helps compliant businesses continue operating fairly, preventing unfair competition from unregistered operators. However, he raised concerns about enforcement, particularly for rentals conducted outside major platforms, given Italy’s estimated 600,000 short-term rental properties.

Penalties and Enforcement

The penalties for non-compliance are significant. Ads without a CIN can incur fines of up to €5,000, and renting without a CIN could lead to a fine of up to €8,000. The Revenue Agency will enforce compliance by cross-referencing the CIN with other property data through the Financial Police. The Ministry of Tourism also maintains a database for registered accommodations, including details like property type, location, capacity, and regional identification codes, to help uncover tax evasion and illegal rentals.

How to Request the CIN

To request a CIN, property owners can use the National Database of Accommodation Facilities (BDSR) by logging in to the portal at bdsr.ministeroturismo.gov.it with SPID or CIE credentials. After verifying the details of the property, owners can proceed with the application. If the system isn’t available for your region during the experimental phase, check if the service has been activated locally and ensure all regional requirements have been met.