Milan, Florence, Venice, And Rome Stand At The Forefront Of Europe’s Effort To Combat Over-Tourism With Key Safe Bans And New Rental Laws Designed To Preserve Local Character And Improve Community Security

Published on December 9, 2025

Milan, along with other major European cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome, is cracking down on the growing use of key safes in short-term rentals to address the rising concerns of over-tourism and improve local security. The city’s decision to impose a €400 fine for using these self-check-in devices comes in response to worries about their impact on urban aesthetics, potential safety risks, and their possible misuse for illegal activities. As cities across Europe face similar challenges with short-term rental proliferation, Milan is leading the charge to ensure a balance between accommodating tourists and protecting the integrity of local neighborhoods and residents’ quality of life.

Milan, along with other European cities, is taking steps to address the growing issue of short-term rental management by targeting the widespread use of key safes, or lock-boxes, which allow vacationers to access properties without interacting with the owner. As part of this move, the city will impose a fine of €400 (roughly $700) for those caught using these devices. The decision to ban these self-check-in tools has sparked debate across Europe, with residents and city officials expressing concerns over the proliferation of such devices, citing potential security risks and urban design issues.

Key safes, which are commonly used for short-term rentals, have become a common feature in cities popular with tourists. They offer a convenient and efficient way for travelers to access properties, especially when owners are not available to meet them in person. However, Milan has started to view these devices as an eyesore and a potential safety hazard. City officials have voiced concerns that the unchecked spread of these key safes could lead to security risks, and in some cases, even facilitate illegal activities. One of the more alarming accusations is that these devices could be used as part of a larger network for drug trafficking, though the specifics of this claim have not been substantiated.

The local council issued a statement, explaining that the uncontrolled growth of key safes not only damages the aesthetics of the city but also creates significant disruptions for local residents. “Apart from the urban design aspect, the uncontrolled proliferation of key boxes poses security risks and can lead to inconvenience for local residents,” a council spokesperson noted. Milan’s decision to take action against this trend follows a similar move in Florence, which has already enacted a ban on key safes in an effort to reduce the growing nuisance.

Despite these local measures, there is still no countrywide ban on key safes in Italy. However, recent regulations have made it mandatory for short-term rental owners to meet with guests in person, a rule aimed at increasing transparency and reducing the anonymity associated with rentals. The new key safe ban in Milan will take effect in January 2026, giving property owners time to adjust to the new rules.

This move comes at a time when cities across the globe are grappling with the impact of short-term rentals, especially in areas experiencing significant tourist traffic. The rise in popularity of platforms like Airbnb has made it easier for individuals to rent out their properties on a temporary basis, but the rapid growth of this market has also led to increased concerns about its effect on local communities and urban infrastructure.

Airbnb, in particular, has been a key player in this transformation of the tourism industry, offering property owners a platform to manage their rentals. The company has recognized that key safes and smart locks are popular features for many of its listings, and has even provided advice to owners on how to implement these technologies. According to Airbnb, self check-ins are one of the top 10 amenities that guests look for when searching for a place to stay. The company claims that offering a smart lock or similar system can make a listing stand out, simplify guest arrivals, and even lead to better reviews.

Yet, with cities like Milan and Florence now banning these devices, the future of self check-in technology in Italy looks uncertain. While these devices are meant to provide convenience for both property owners and guests, they also highlight the tension between tourism and local residents, especially in popular tourist destinations. This trend is not unique to Italy; other cities like Barcelona and Venice have already introduced similar measures to curb the negative effects of over-tourism, including new taxes, restricted access, and crowd control regulations.

In Milan’s case, the key safe ban is part of a broader strategy to address urban issues caused by the influx of tourists. Over-tourism has become a significant concern for many of Italy’s most visited cities, including Venice, Rome, and Florence, where the rapid growth of tourism has led to overcrowding, environmental damage, and a strain on local resources. The introduction of policies like tourist taxes and restrictions on short-term rentals are attempts to balance the needs of residents with the desire to attract visitors.

As the city gears up for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, this debate over short-term rental practices is likely to continue. Milan is set to host the Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium, and as the Games approach, there is growing pressure on the city to ensure that the tourism experience remains positive for both visitors and locals. In the lead-up to the event, the city will be working to manage the impacts of tourism while maintaining its reputation as a world-class destination.

The situation in Milan is similar to other global tourist hotspots, such as Hawaii, which has recently introduced a “Green Fee” to address the environmental impact of tourism. The fee, added to hotel room stays, is earmarked for environmental protection initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change. This trend of introducing taxes and restrictions to manage tourism is likely to continue as cities face the complex challenges posed by over-tourism.

Milan’s decision to ban key safes marks a turning point in how cities are approaching short-term rentals and the tourism industry. With new regulations on the horizon and more cities likely to follow suit, the landscape of travel accommodation is set to change, prompting property owners to reconsider how they manage their rentals and interact with guests. The key to finding a balance will be ensuring that the needs of both tourists and residents are met without compromising the unique character of these beloved urban destinations.