Milan Bans Key Lock Boxes for Tourist Apartments as Italy Struggles with Overtourism

Image generated with Ai

In recent years, key lock boxes have become more common in Italy’s major tourist destinations. These boxes, which are frequently seen hanging from building facades, have raised concerns among locals, serving as a symbol of the country’s overtourism crisis. While key lock boxes were initially praised as a practical solution for managing short-term rentals, particularly in tourist hotspots, they have come under increasing criticism for their aesthetic impact and potential security risks.

Milan has now decided to take significant action in response to these concerns. The city council voted on Thursday to approve a new regulation that will prohibit key lock boxes in Milan beginning in January 2026. The regulation, which aims to reduce the prevalence of these boxes in tourist-heavy areas, imposes fines of up to €400 (approximately $466.14) on property owners who continue to use key lock boxes after the new law takes effect.

The Role of Key Lock Boxes in Short-Term Rentals

Key lock boxes have become a common sight on the doorsteps and facades of apartments that are used for short-term vacation rentals. These boxes allow guests to check in without direct interaction with the property owner or manager. The system relies on a numeric code provided to the guest in advance, granting them access to the keys for the apartment. This contactless check-in process has become popular with short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, which cater to millions of tourists annually.

While this method of key exchange has its advantages, it has also raised concerns among residents and local authorities. The growing number of lock boxes in tourist districts has led to a noticeable shift in the urban landscape, which many argue is contributing to the erosion of a city’s aesthetic and historical charm.

Growing Discontent: Locals Speak Out

For years, locals in major Italian cities, such as Milan, Florence, and Venice, have been vocal about their frustrations with the growing number of key lock boxes. The boxes, often installed on historic buildings or alongside popular tourist sites, have been seen as an eyesore by many residents who feel their neighbourhoods are increasingly overrun by tourists. Critics argue that these boxes not only detract from the visual appeal of a city but also contribute to a sense of intrusion in areas that were once quiet, residential spaces.

Furthermore, there are growing concerns about security. Without direct interaction between guests and property owners, it is harder to verify the identity of visitors or ensure the safety of the property. Local authorities have raised alarms that unchecked access to apartments through lock boxes could potentially create loopholes for illegal activities or invite unwanted intruders into private spaces.

Italy’s Struggle with Overtourism

Milan’s decision is part of a broader effort by Italy’s local governments to address the mounting pressure of overtourism. The country, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, has long been a top destination for international travelers. However, as tourism numbers have surged, the burden on local communities has become increasingly unsustainable.

Overtourism is most evident in cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome, where narrow streets, once filled with locals, are now frequently teeming with tourists. In Venice, for instance, a controversial entrance fee has been introduced for day visitors, which is expected to generate millions in revenue. Despite this, critics argue that such measures do little to address the root cause of the issue: the sheer volume of tourists flocking to the same iconic sites.

The National Push for Change: Florence Leads the Way

Florence, one of Italy’s most visited cities, became the first to implement a ban on key lock boxes earlier this year. This move was seen as a bold step in tackling the problem of overtourism in the country. Like Milan, Florence’s city council also expressed concerns about the visual impact of these boxes and their contribution to the commodification of the city’s historic centres.

While Florence’s decision to ban lock boxes was met with mixed reactions, it has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between tourism and local quality of life. The Italian government has already introduced policies that require property owners to meet with guests in person for check-ins, regardless of whether they are using a key lock box or not. However, this policy has not yet led to a nationwide ban, and other tourist cities are still grappling with how to manage the growing demand for short-term rental accommodations.

The Consequences of Overcrowding: A Strain on Italy’s Cultural Heritage

The impact of overtourism extends beyond the aesthetic changes to cityscapes. Italy’s cultural heritage, already strained from the constant influx of tourists, is showing signs of wear. Some of the country’s top tourist attractions, such as the archaeological site of Pompeii, have introduced limits on visitor numbers. In 2024, Pompeii saw as many as 36,000 visitors in a single day, prompting the introduction of a new cap of 20,000 visitors per day. This step was taken to preserve the site’s integrity while also reducing the environmental and infrastructural pressures caused by overcrowding.

Similarly, the Vatican City, a hub of global pilgrimage, saw one of its busiest tourism years yet in 2025, with over 32 million visitors expected. The influx of tourists during the Holy Year of 2025 was a clear reminder of how religious tourism adds to the pressures on Italy’s urban and cultural sites.

Long-Term Solutions: Balancing Hospitality with Preservation

As Milan and other Italian cities struggle with overtourism, striking a sustainable balance between hospitality and preservation remains a challenge. While short-term rental platforms like Airbnb have made it easier for tourists to experience local life, their impact on the environment, infrastructure, and residents must be addressed. Measures like Milan’s key lock box ban are a start, but more comprehensive strategies will be required to protect Italy’s heritage while maintaining the country’s status as a top destination for global travellers.

To effectively combat overtourism, Italy must consider policies that limit the number of visitors, regulate short-term rental accommodations, and ensure that tourism revenue is reinvested in the preservation of the country’s cultural and architectural heritage. As the country approaches 2026, Milan’s decision may set a precedent for other cities to follow, as Italy’s approach to tourism management evolves.