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

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

Turin, like many popular tourist destinations in Italy, has specific regulations around short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. These rules aim to balance the economic benefits of tourism with preserving affordable housing and quality of life for local residents. Here's an overview of the key short-term rental regulations in Turin:

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Turin

To legally operate a short-term rental in Turin, hosts must:

• Submit a SCIA (Certified Notice of Commencement of Activity) through the Impresa in un Giorno portal. This notifies the city of your intent to start a short-term rental business.
• Obtain permission from the city council to use the property as a short-term rental. This involves verifying the permit through the Turismo5 online system to receive a CIR (Regional Identification Code).
• Display the CIR code on all listings and advertisements for the short-term rental property.

90-Day Annual Limit on Short-Term Rentals

In Turin, short-term rentals are limited to a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. Owners who wish to rent out their properties for longer must register as an official accommodation business and comply with additional regulations.

Restriction on Number of Properties

Hosts in Turin are restricted from operating more than two short-term rental properties in the same city. Renting out more than two properties is considered a commercial activity and subject to higher taxes.

Contracts and Guest Registration

For stays under 30 days, hosts must provide a written short-term rental contract for guests to sign upon arrival. Hosts are also required to submit their guests' passport or ID information to the Allogiati Web portal managed by the state police.

Taxes and Fees

Income from short-term rentals in Turin is typically taxed at a flat "dry coupon" rate of 21% as a substitute for regular income taxes. However, this favorable tax treatment is only available for hosts renting out 4 or fewer properties - those with more are considered to be operating a commercial business.

In summary, while it is possible to operate a short-term rental business in Turin, Italy, hosts need to carefully follow the city's permitting, registration, and tax regulations. Failure to comply can result in fines or even prohibition from continuing to rent out the property on a short-term basis. Prospective Airbnb and VRBO hosts should thoroughly research the rules and crunch the numbers on costs before getting started.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Turin

To legally launch and operate a short-term rental in Turin, hosts must obtain permission from the city council and verify it through the Turismo5 online system to receive a CIR (Regional Identification Code). This CIR code must be displayed on all listings and advertisements for the short-term rental property.

Before applying for the CIR code, hosts need to submit a SCIA (Certified Notice of Commencement of Activity) through the Impresa in un Giorno portal. The SCIA notifies the city of the host's intent to start a short-term rental business.

One Italian lawyer on Reddit cautioned that the licensing process can be complex:

"You will need to find an agency to let the guests in, give them the keys, clean after your guests, etc., 25-50% of the rent plus costs. You may want to consider insurance, which will lower your revenue even more."

Failure to obtain the proper licensing and display the CIR code can result in fines or prohibition from continuing to operate short-term rentals. Hosts should carefully research the requirements and factor in the costs of compliance when deciding whether to enter the short-term rental market in Turin.

Required Documents for Turin Short-Term Rentals

To legally operate a short-term rental in Turin, hosts must gather and submit several important documents:

1. Identity documents: Hosts need to provide proof of their identity, such as a valid passport or national ID card, to the local authorities when registering their short-term rental.
2. Proof of property ownership: Hosts must demonstrate that they have the legal right to rent out the property by providing a copy of the property deed or rental agreement if they are subletting.
3. Building floor plan: A detailed floor plan of the rental property is required as part of the registration process. This helps authorities ensure the space meets safety and habitability standards.
4. Energy Performance Certificate (Attestato di Prestazione Energetica or APE): This document rates the energy efficiency of the property and is mandatory for all rental agreements in Italy. Hosts need to obtain an APE from a certified technician before listing their property.
5. SCIA (Certified Notice of Commencement of Activity): Hosts must submit this online through the Impresa in un Giorno portal to notify the city of their intent to start a short-term rental business.
6. CIR (Regional Identification Code): After verifying their short-term rental permission through the Turismo5 online system, hosts receive a unique CIR code that must be displayed on all listings and advertisements for the property.
7. Written rental agreement: For stays under 30 days, hosts need to provide guests with a written short-term rental contract to sign upon arrival. The contract should include details like the length of stay, price, house rules, and cancellation policy.

In addition to these required documents, hosts may find it beneficial to have a comprehensive insurance policy to protect their property from potential damages. While not mandatory, insurance can provide added peace of mind.

Gathering all the necessary paperwork for a short-term rental in Turin may seem daunting, but it's an essential step to operate legally and avoid fines. Hosts should allow ample time to navigate the registration process before welcoming their first guests.

Turin Short-Term Rental Taxes

In Turin, short-term rental income is subject to taxation under Italian law. Hosts have two main options for paying taxes on their rental income:

Flat Tax (Cedolare Secca): This is a simplified tax regime available to individual hosts who are not operating as a business. Under the flat tax, rental income is taxed at a fixed rate of 21%, which replaces the standard progressive income tax rates. This option is only available for hosts renting out up to four properties.

Starting from January 1, 2024, the flat tax rate will increase to 26% for hosts renting out more than one property (from the second to the fourth). The 21% rate will only apply to the first property rented out.

Standard Income Tax (IRPEF): Hosts who do not qualify for or choose not to use the flat tax must report their rental income as part of their overall taxable income. The standard income tax rates in Italy are progressive, ranging from 23% to 43%. Under this regime, hosts may be able to deduct certain expenses related to the rental property.

In addition to income taxes, the city of Turin imposes a tourist tax on short-term rentals. As of 2023, the tax is €2.30 per person per night, up to a maximum of 7 nights. Airbnb collects this tax directly from guests as part of the booking process and remits it to the city.

Hosts in Turin are also required to register their short-term rental activity with the city and obtain a CIR (Regional Identification Code). The CIR must be displayed on all listings and advertisements for the property.

It's important for hosts to carefully consider their tax obligations and consult with a local tax professional to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Failure to properly report rental income or pay required taxes can result in fines and other penalties.

Italy Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

In addition to city-specific regulations, there are several nationwide rules that apply to short-term rentals across Italy:

1. 30-Day Limit on Short-Term Rentals: Under Italian law, any rental period of 30 days or less is considered a "short-term rental." Rentals longer than 30 days fall under different regulations as standard residential leases.
2. Written Rental Contract Requirement: For all short-term rentals under 30 days, the host must provide a written rental contract for the guest to sign upon arrival, even if booked through platforms like Airbnb. This contract does not need to be registered with the tax authorities unless the stay exceeds 30 days.
3. Reporting Guests to Police: Hosts are legally required to provide their guests' passport or ID information to the state police via the Allogiati Web portal within 24 hours of check-in. This applies to any short-term rental of a property for less than 30 days. Failure to do so can result in fines or even jail time for the host.
4. Obtaining a CIR or CIN Code: Short-term rental operators must obtain a CIR (Regional Identification Code) or CIN (National Identification Code) and display it on all property listings and advertisements. This code is obtained by registering with local authorities and submitting a SCIA (Certified Notice of Commencement of Activity).
5. Cedolare Secca Tax Regime: Non-professional hosts can opt to pay a flat 21% tax on short-term rental income under the Cedolare Secca tax regime. Starting in 2024, this will increase to 26% for hosts renting out more than one property (up to four total). Those with more than four properties must register as a business.

Upcoming 2024 Rule Changes

Beginning in 2024, new nationwide regulations are set to take effect:

1. A minimum two-night stay will be required in many historic city centers and tourist hotspots
2. The favorable 21% flat tax rate will only apply to the first property rented out by a host
3. Fines for noncompliance will increase significantly, up to €5,000 for hosts and €3,000 for listing platforms

While these Italy-wide rules provide a general framework, it's essential for hosts to carefully research the specific regulations in their city and region as well. Short-term rental laws can vary significantly from one locality to another.

Does Turin Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Based on discussions among Airbnb hosts on forums like BiggerPockets and Reddit, it appears that Turin takes a relatively relaxed approach to enforcing short-term rental regulations compared to some other major Italian cities. While Turin does have rules in place, such as requiring a CIR code and limiting rentals to 90 days per year, many hosts report operating without major issues.

One host on the r/torino subreddit shared their experience:

"I've been renting my spare room on Airbnb for over a year now and haven't had any problems with the city. As long as you're not causing disturbances and follow the basic registration steps, they seem to leave you alone. It's not like Venice or Florence cracking down hard."

Another Turin host on BiggerPockets wrote:

"The demand for short-term rentals here is strong from both tourists and business travelers. I know several other hosts, and we all agree that Turin is still a good market, even if you have to jump through a few hoops. Definitely more Airbnb-friendly than Rome or Milan."

However, some hosts caution that enforcement may be gradually increasing. An Italian lawyer on Reddit noted:

"With the upcoming nationwide changes in 2024, I expect Turin will have to get stricter like other cities. But for now, it seems many hosts are still flying under the radar as long as they're discreet about it."

Overall, while Turin does have short-term rental regulations on the books, the city appears to be less aggressive about enforcement than Italy's biggest tourist destinations. This may make Turin an appealing option for Airbnb hosts compared to cities like Venice, Rome, or Florence. However, the nationwide 2024 rule changes could mark a shift towards tighter restrictions across the board in Italy.

So, in summary, Turin seems to be relatively Airbnb-friendly for the time being, with many hosts successfully operating short-term rentals. However, the regulatory landscape is evolving quickly, so hosts should stay informed and be prepared to adapt as needed. Careful compliance with local registration requirements can help reduce the risk of issues down the line.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Turin

Starting a short-term rental business in Turin can be a lucrative venture, but it's important to follow the proper steps to ensure compliance with local regulations and set yourself up for success. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Research local regulations: Familiarize yourself with Turin's specific short-term rental rules, such as the 90-day annual limit, restriction on operating more than two properties, and requirement to obtain a CIR (Regional Identification Code). Consult with local authorities or a legal professional to ensure you understand all applicable laws.
2. Choose your property: Identify a suitable property for short-term rentals in Turin. Consider factors like location, size, amenities, and target market. If you already own a property, assess its potential for short-term rentals.
3. Register your business: Register your short-term rental business with the appropriate local authorities. This typically involves submitting a SCIA (Certified Notice of Commencement of Activity) through the Impresa in un Giorno portal.
4. Obtain necessary permits: Request permission from the Turin city council to operate a short-term rental. Verify your permission through the Turismo5 online system to receive your CIR code, which must be displayed on all listings and advertisements.
5. Prepare your property:Furnish and equip your rental property to meet guest expectations. Consider essential amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable bedding, and toiletries. Invest in professional photography to showcase your property's best features.
6. Create your listing: Set up your property listing on popular short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Craft a compelling description, highlight unique selling points, and set competitive rates based on market research.
7. Establish house rules and rental agreements: Develop clear house rules and rental agreements that outline guest expectations, check-in/check-out procedures, and cancellation policies. Ensure these comply with local regulations and platform guidelines.
8. Implement a guest screening process: Put a guest screening process in place to ensure the safety and security of your property and neighborhood. This may include verifying guest identities, collecting security deposits, and setting minimum stay requirements.
9. Arrange cleaning and maintenance: Establish a reliable cleaning and maintenance routine to keep your property in top condition between guest stays. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service or property manager to handle these tasks.
10. Comply with tax obligations: Understand and comply with your tax obligations as a short-term rental operator in Turin. This may include registering for and collecting the tourist tax, as well as reporting rental income on your annual tax return.
11. Promote your listing: Maximize your occupancy rates by actively promoting your short-term rental listing. Leverage social media, targeted advertising, and cross-promotion with local businesses to attract guests.
12. Provide excellent guest experiences: Focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences to earn positive reviews and encourage repeat bookings. Be responsive to guest inquiries, offer local recommendations, and address any issues promptly and professionally.

By following these steps and staying informed about local regulations, you can successfully launch and operate a short-term rental business in Turin. Remember to continually adapt to market conditions and guest preferences to ensure the long-term success of your venture.

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

If you have questions about short-term rental regulations or zoning requirements in Turin, Italy, here are some key contacts and resources:

1. Turin Municipal Police (Polizia Municipale di Torino)

Phone: +39 011 011 11
Email: poliziamunicipale@comune.torino.it

The municipal police can provide information on local laws, permits, and enforcement related to short-term rentals.

2. Turin Tourism Office (Turismo Torino)

Phone: +39 011 535181
Email: contact@turismotorino.org

The tourism office can offer guidance on registering your short-term rental and complying with applicable regulations.

3. Turin City Council - Economic Activities and Commerce Department (Comune di Torino - Divisione Commercio, Lavoro, Attività Produttive e Sviluppo Economico)

Phone: +39 011 011 23621
Email: commercio@comune.torino.it

This department handles business licensing and can assist with questions about operating a short-term rental in Turin.

4. Metropolitan City of Turin - Tourism Department (Città Metropolitana di Torino - Servizio Turismo)

Phone: +39 011 861 6028
Email: servizio.turismo@cittametropolitana.torino.it

For inquiries related to regional tourism regulations that may impact short-term rentals in the Turin metropolitan area.

5. Piedmont Region - Tourism Observatory (Regione Piemonte - Osservatorio Turistico)

Phone: +39 011 432 5025
Email: osservatorio.turistico@regione.piemonte.it

Can provide information on regional laws and initiatives related to short-term rentals and tourism in Piedmont.

In addition to these official contacts, consider consulting with a local attorney specializing in real estate and business law. They can offer personalized guidance to ensure you fully understand and comply with all applicable short-term rental regulations in Turin.

It's important to note that rules can change over time, so be sure to check for the most current information when starting or operating a short-term rental business in Turin. Regularly reviewing city and regional government websites can help you stay up-to-date on any regulatory developments.

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

To get a sense of how Airbnb hosts in Turin feel about the local short-term rental regulations, here are some insights gathered from discussions on Reddit and Bigger Pockets:

1. Compliance is important, but not always enforced

Several hosts on r/torino mentioned that while Turin does have rules like registering for a CIR code and collecting the tourist tax, enforcement seems to be somewhat lax compared to stricter cities like Venice or Florence. One host shared:

"As long as you're not causing major issues and do the basic registration, the city tends to leave you alone. But I wouldn't push it too far, the 2024 nationwide changes could make them crack down more."

2. Costs and competition are increasing

On the Bigger Pockets forums, some Turin hosts expressed concerns about rising costs cutting into their profits. One noted:

"Between the tourist tax, income taxes, cleaning fees, and now rising interest rates, margins are definitely getting squeezed. And it seems like every other apartment in my building is on Airbnb now. I'm glad I got in a few years ago before it got this saturated."

3. Regulations are a necessary evil

While few hosts are thrilled about jumping through bureaucratic hoops, most Turin hosts on Reddit and BP understood the need for some regulation. As one r/torino user put it:

"I get why the city needs to have some control, too many Airbnbs can cause problems for residents. The registration process is annoying but not that hard in the scheme of things. I'd rather deal with that than have Airbnb banned completely like some cities have tried."

4. Challenges for non-resident hosts

On both platforms, Turin hosts who don't live full-time in Italy discussed the added complexities they face. Getting an Italian tax number, opening a local bank account, and navigating the permit process can be daunting. One expat host on Bigger Pockets advised:

"Definitely hire a good commercialista (accountant) who understands Airbnb and a property manager to handle things on the ground. Trying to do it all yourself from abroad is a nightmare, I learned that the hard way my first year."

Overall, the sentiment among Turin hosts seems to be one of acceptance toward the regulations, even if they aren't thrilled about the added costs and red tape. Most view compliance as simply part of the cost of doing business in the Airbnb industry. The key is staying informed and working with local professionals to ensure they are following all the rules correctly.

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.