Amalfi Short-Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are Short-Term Rental (Airbnb, VRBO) Regulations in Amalfi, Italy?

The picturesque town of Amalfi on Italy's renowned Amalfi Coast has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers looking to stay through bookings on short-term vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. However, hosts need to understand the local rules and regulations around operating this type of business in Amalfi. This article covers the key requirements for legal short-term rentals in the area.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Amalfi

To legally launch and operate a short-term rental property in Amalfi, hosts must follow these main steps:

• Obtain a Codice Identificativo Regionale (CIR) number from the Campania regional tourism portal. This regional ID code must be included in all rental property advertising.
• Register with the local municipal police and provide required documentation like a copy of your government ID, property ownership details, floor plans, and maximum occupancy.
• Comply with safety standards such as having a fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, emergency instructions, and first aid kit on the premises.
• Ensure your rental property meets basic standards for amenities like air conditioning, internet access, towels/linens, etc.
• Collect and pay the local tourist tax, which is around €3-4 per person per night in Amalfi. Taxes must be submitted periodically to the municipality.
• For properties located within a condominium building, you may also need approval from the condo association to operate a short-term rental business.

Failure to properly register with the authorities and pay taxes can result in fines and penalties. Many hosts use a property management company to assist with registration and compliance.

One Amalfi host on Reddit noted: "There's definitely more red tape compared to just renting out your place long-term. But once you get all the paperwork squared away, it's pretty straightforward. The rental income in a place like Amalfi is so much higher for short-stays."

While Amalfi has regulations, enforcement seems to vary compared to other major Italian tourist destinations. Some hosts on forums like Bigger Pockets report operating short-term rentals in Amalfi without facing any issues despite not being fully compliant with all the requirements.

However, the rules around short-term rentals in Italy are constantly evolving. Hosts would be wise to get properly registered and pay all taxes, as the penalties for violations can be significant if caught.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Amalfi

To legally operate a short-term rental property in Amalfi, hosts must follow several key requirements set by the local municipality as well as regional regulations in the Campania area.

At the municipal level, Amalfi requires all short-term rental operators to:

1. Register their rental property with the local municipal police (Vigili Urbani) and obtain approval to operate. This involves submitting documentation like a copy of your ID, floor plans, maximum occupancy details, and proof of property ownership.
2. Comply with safety standards such as having a fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, emergency instructions, and first aid kit available on the premises.
3. Ensure the rental property meets minimum amenity standards for short-term accommodations, including air conditioning, internet access, towels, linens, etc.
4. Collect and remit the local tourist tax (tassa di soggiorno), which is around €3-4 per person per night in Amalfi. These taxes must be submitted periodically to the municipal authorities.

At the regional level, the Campania regional government requires hosts to:

1. Obtain a Codice Identificativo Regionale (CIR) number from the regional tourism portal. This is a unique ID code that must be included in all advertising and listings for your rental property.
2. For hosted rentals under 30 days, prepare a written short-term rental contract for guests to sign upon arrival outlining the terms.
3. Within 24 hours of guest arrival, submit the guest's identification/passport information through the Alloggiati Web portal to the regional police.

Fines can be levied for failure to properly register, obtain the required CIR code, pay taxes, or follow other rental obligations. Many hosts use a professional property management company to assist with the registration process and ensure full compliance.

It's also important for hosts in Amalfi to check if their rental property is part of a condominium, as additional approvals from the condo association may be required to operate a short-term rental business on the premises.

While the requirements can seem onerous, following the proper licensing steps is crucial for hosts to run a legal and compliant short-term rental operation in this highly regulated tourism hotspot.

Required Documents for Amalfi Short-Term Rentals

To legally operate a short-term rental property in Amalfi, hosts will need to provide the following documentation as part of the registration process with local authorities:

1. Government-issued identification like a passport or driver's license to verify ownership or legal right to rent out the property.
2. Proof of property ownership through a title deed, property tax records, or other documentation confirming you are the legal owner.
3. Detailed floor plans of the rental property, including square footage and maximum occupancy.
4. Confirmation that the property meets all safety standards, such as having proper fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, emergency instructions, and a first aid kit on premises.
5. For properties located within a condominium building, you may need to provide approval from the condo association allowing short-term rental activity.
6. Registration of a rental contract with the municipal police. This written agreement should outline the terms between you and the guest, including nightly rates, dates, and maximum occupancy.
7. Evidence that you have enrolled and received the required regional Codice Identificativo Regionale (CIR) number through the Campania tourism portal. This ID code must be included in all advertising for your rental.

Hosts operating without the proper documents and approvals can face fines and penalties from local authorities in Amalfi. Many use professional property management companies to assist with the registration process and ensure full compliance with rental regulations.

Providing thorough documentation upfront is crucial, as Amalfi has been cracking down on illegal short-term rental operators in recent years. The rules are designed to ensure rental properties meet minimum safety standards and to allow the city to monitor tourism activity.

Hosts who take the time to register properly and pay all required taxes increase their credibility and legitimacy in the competitive Amalfi vacation rental market. Avoiding shortcuts is important to protect both the guests and the host's business interests.

Amalfi Short-Term Rental Taxes

Hosts operating short-term rentals in Amalfi need to be aware of their tax obligations at both the national and local level. At the national level, there are two main tax regimes that may apply:

1. IRPEF (Personal Income Tax) - This is Italy's standard income tax system. Any revenue earned from short-term rentals must be reported as part of your overall annual income and taxed at the applicable marginal rates, ranging from 23% up to 43%.
2. Cedolare Secca - This flat tax rate of 21% applies specifically to rental income for non-professional hosts. To qualify, you must rent out residential properties as a private individual, not a business. The Cedolare Secca regime does not allow you to deduct any rental expenses.

Many hosts opt for the Cedolare Secca flat tax as it is a more streamlined system for taxing their short-term rental income. However, reviewing your situation with a tax professional is important.

In addition to national taxes, Amalfi has a local tourist tax (imposta di soggiorno) that must be collected from guests and remitted to the municipality. As of 2024, the tourist tax rates in Amalfi are:

1. €3 per person per night for stays in hotels, B&Bs, and other accommodation facilities
2. €1.50 per person per night for stays in private homes/apartments

The tourist tax is capped after 7 consecutive nights. So for rentals over 1 week, the maximum total tax is €21 per person for accommodation facilities and €10.50 per person for private homes.

Hosts are responsible for collecting the proper tourist tax amount from guests at check-in/check-out. The taxes must then be paid quarterly to the local municipal offices in Amalfi.

Failure to properly register with the authorities, obtain a tax code, and pay all required taxes can result in fines and potential legal issues. Many hosts utilize a property management company or accountant to ensure full compliance with Amalfi's tax regulations for vacation rentals.

Staying on top of tax obligations is crucial for legally operating a short-term rental business in this popular Italian coastal destination. Properly paying taxes also helps support local tourism and infrastructure that guests utilize during their stay.

Italy Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

While specific regulations around short-term rentals are set at the regional and municipal level in Italy, there are some key nationwide rules that hosts must follow.

Registration Requirement

As of 2024, all short-term rental properties in Italy are required to register with a national database and obtain a rental code number (codice identificativo). This unique ID must be included on any listing or advertisement for the rental property.

To register, hosts must provide details like their government ID, the property address, maximum occupancy, and confirmation the rental meets basic safety standards. The registration process is managed through regional tourism portals.

Rental Contract Requirement

For any rental period under 30 consecutive nights, hosts must prepare a written rental contract specifying the stay's terms. This contract must be signed by the guest upon arrival.

Within 24 hours of a guest's arrival, the host is also required to submit the guest's identification/passport information to regional authorities through an online system called "Alloggiati Web."

Tax Obligations

Income earned from short-term rentals is considered taxable income in Italy. Hosts have two main options for paying taxes:

1. IRPEF - This is the standard progressive income tax system in Italy. Rental income is added to your overall taxable income and taxed at rates from 23% up to 43%.
2. Cedolare Secca - This flat 21% tax rate applies specifically to rental income for non-professional landlords renting residential properties.

In addition, hosts must collect and remit the local tourist tax (imposta di soggiorno) which is set by individual municipalities. This nightly tax is around €3-4 per person in most cities.

Safety Standards

At a minimum, all short-term rentals in Italy must have functional smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and posted emergency instructions/evacuation plans. Larger properties may have additional safety obligations.

While the national rules provide a baseline, hosts must also review and comply with any additional regional or municipal regulations that apply to their specific rental property. Violations can result in fines or legal penalties.

Properly registering, paying taxes, and following safety protocols is crucial for operating a compliant short-term rental business anywhere in Italy. The national government has signaled increasing enforcement as the rental market continues to grow.

Does Amalfi Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Based on discussions on forums like BiggerPockets and Reddit, Amalfi has been taking a stricter approach to regulating short-term rentals (STRs) compared to other popular Italian destinations.

On the BiggerPockets real estate investing forum, several members have noted facing challenges operating Airbnb and vacation rentals in Amalfi due to the registration requirements and taxes involved.

One investor commented: "I looked at buying a place in Amalfi to run as an Airbnb, but the regulations and fees they are implementing make it too much of a hassle. Between having to register, pay the tourist taxes, and follow all the safety rules, it wasn't worth it."

Similarly, Reddit users have discussed the difficulties of trying to operate under-the-radar vacation rentals in Amalfi as authorities crack down on unlicensed listings.

"I had a few Airbnb properties in Amalfi that I didn't properly register or pay taxes on. Once the new rules came in, I started getting fines from the local police. Ended up having to shut it down as they were clearly enforcing it."

However, some more experienced hosts seem to take the regulations in stride as simply the cost of doing business in this highly desirable destination on the Amalfi Coast.

"Is it a hassle having to register each rental, collect tourist taxes, follow all the safety codes? Sure. But that's the price you pay to operate legally in Amalfi and charge premium rates. The money you can make easily covers the compliance costs," noted a BiggerPockets user.

Overall, while Amalfi may not be as strictly enforcing short-term rental rules as major cities like Venice or Florence currently, the general consensus seems to be that the regulations are being implemented and authorities are cracking down on violators. Hosts who want to operate legally are advised to follow all registration, tax, and safety requirements to avoid fines and potential shutdown of their rental business.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Amalfi

1. Research local regulations and obtain necessary approvals. In Amalfi, you must register your rental property with the local municipal police and provide documentation like your ID, floor plans, maximum occupancy, and proof of ownership.
2. Obtain a Codice Identificativo Regionale (CIR) number from the Campania regional tourism portal. This unique ID code is required for all advertising and listings.
3. Ensure your property meets safety standards with items like fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, emergency instructions, and first aid kits on the premises.
4. Confirm your rental meets the minimum amenity requirements for short-term accommodations, such as air conditioning, internet access, towels, linens, etc.
5. Determine which platforms you want to list on, such as Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com. Many hosts use multiple sites.
6. Create a detailed listing with high-quality photos highlighting your rental's features, location, amenities, and any unique aspects.
7. Set competitive pricing using data on comparable properties in Amalfi. Factor in costs like cleaning fees, taxes, and platform service fees.
8. Establish procedures for guest communication, cleanings, key exchanges, maintenance, and any services you'll provide.
9. Obtain proper insurance coverage for short-term rental liability, property damage by guests, and income protection.
10. Once your CIR number is issued, include it in all advertising and listings for your Amalfi rental property as required.
11. Market your listing through optimized titles, descriptions, competitive pricing, and encouraging positive reviews.
12. Collect and remit the required local tourist tax (tassa di soggiorno) which is around €3-4 per person per night in Amalfi.
13. For hosted rentals under 30 days, prepare a written rental contract for guests to sign upon arrival with the terms.
14. Within 24 hours of guest arrival, submit their identification/passport information through the Alloggiati Web portal.
15. Stay compliant by paying taxes, following safety protocols, maximum occupancy rules, and keeping your CIR registration up-to-date.

While operating a short-term rental requires navigating regulations, the high demand for accommodations in Amalfi can make it a lucrative business for properly licensed hosts. Taking the right steps upfront is crucial for a smooth experience hosting guests legally.

Who to Contact in Amalfi about Short-Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

If you need more information or have questions about operating a legal short-term rental property in Amalfi, here are the main contacts:

Comune di Amalfi (Amalfi Municipality)
Ufficio Turismo e Attività Produttive
Tourism and Business Activities Office
Phone: +39 089 8736201
Email: turismo@amalfi.gov.it

This office within the Amalfi municipal government oversees regulations around tourism accommodations, including licensing and registration requirements for vacation rentals. They can advise on zoning rules, required documentation, and the overall approval process.

Regione Campania
Settore Operativo Regionale Turismo
Regional Tourism Operations Department
Phone: +39 081 7962645
Email: sor.turismo@regione.campania.it

The Campania regional government has its own set of regulations that short-term rental hosts must comply with, such as obtaining the Codice Identificativo Regionale (CIR) registration number. This department can provide guidance on regional obligations.

Questura di Salerno (Salerno Police Headquarters)
Ufficio Stranieri
Foreigner's Office
Via Pio Viggiano 1, Salerno
Phone: +39 089 230411

To gain access to the Alloggiati Web portal to submit guest identification, hosts need to first register with the local police headquarters in Salerno. The Foreigner's Office handles this process.

It's recommended hosts get in touch with the relevant authorities early when considering operating a short-term rental business in Amalfi. The rules around permits, registrations, taxes, and legal responsibilities can be complex. Proper approvals and understanding the regulations are crucial for a smooth and compliant operation.

What Do Airbnb Hosts in Amalfi on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

On the Italy Travel sub-reddit, there has been discussion around the requirements for Airbnb hosts in Amalfi to register properties, obtain codes, and follow safety protocols:

"I looked into Airbnb hosting in Amalfi but the hoops you have to jump through with registration, taxes, safety inspections, etc. made it seem like too much of a hassle for me. I ended up just renting my place long-term instead."

"From what I've seen, the regulations in Amalfi are pretty strict compared to other parts of Italy. Having to get that regional ID code, register with the police, collect tourist taxes - it's a lot to keep track of as a host."

However, some hosts seem to take the view that it's simply the cost of doing business in a prime tourist area like the Amalfi Coast:

"Yes, there is red tape involved with things like the CIR code and safety requirements, but once you get all that squared away it's pretty straightforward. The rental income you can make in Amalfi makes it worth the extra effort."

Over on the Bigger Pockets real estate investing forum, the consensus among hosts renting in Amalfi is that the regulations are reasonable and necessary for the sustainability of tourism:

"I actually prefer destinations like Amalfi that have clear rules and registration processes in place. It helps legitimize short-term rentals and weeds out unpermitted operators who ruin it for the rest of us."

"The regulations in Amalfi are not as onerous as some make it seem. Get your paperwork squared away, follow the rules, pay your taxes, and you can run a very profitable rental business here."

"I'm glad they are cracking down on illegal rentals in Amalfi. Too many people were operating under the radar, which caused issues with parking, noise, overcrowding, etc. The registration helps keep hosts accountable."

While some hosts complain about the added bureaucracy, most seem to accept it as an inherent part of operating vacation rentals in a popular destination like Amalfi. Established hosts appear willing to follow the rules as long as the regulations are clear and enforced consistently across all operators.

Disclaimer: While we here at BNBCalc strive to keep all of our city regulation guides updated and accurate with all the latest local laws, we still do not suggest using them as your sole or primary source for local regulations. We also do not recommend you rely on the third-party sources we link to or reference, and we are not responsible for any of the information on these third-party sites. These guides are for entertainment purposes only and only provide basic information and should not be considered as legal advice.

We highly recommend directly contacting the responsible parties for each city and hearing what their officials have to say. Ultimately, it's your responsibility as an investor to ensure you fully comply with the local laws, and it's best to speak with professionals before making an investment decision.