Italian cities crack down on short-term rentals as tourism displaces residents

Venice's population has fallen below 48,000, while Florence residents no longer recognise their city. Italy faces a mounting crisis as tourist lettings have displaced locals from the historic centres of major cities.

The Meloni government has refused to introduce nationwide restrictions on short-term rentals, with deputy Salvini dismissing such measures as a "penalty on property owners". Consequently, cities are taking matters into their own hands.

Florence led the charge: from June 2025, it banned new tourist lettings in the historic centre and is now extending the prohibition to residential districts until 2028. Bolzano moved earlier still, imposing a cap of 230,000 tourist beds across the entire province. Venice has devised a two-tier system: either 120 days of rental per year with minimal requirements, or year-round lettings subject to strict conditions.

Bolzano has even prohibited the rental of apartments from social housing schemes. Tuscany's Supreme Court has already sided with local authorities, setting a precedent for other regions.

Milan and Rome are still deliberating. Bologna has announced plans but has taken no concrete steps.

Source: The Local Italy