The recent decision from the TAR of Lazio has made headlines across Italy’s short-term rental industry. The ruling has officially annulled the November 2024 circular from the Ministry of the Interior, which required in-person (“de visu”) guest identification for short-term rentals. But while many believe this means self check-in is now completely unrestricted, the reality is more nuanced.
This article breaks down the court’s decision, what it means for compliance, and how to legally implement remote self check-in using secure digital tools like Chekin.
Self Check-in is Legal: What the new court ruling means for hosts
On May 27, 2025, the TAR of Lazio accepted an appeal filed by FARE (Federazione Affitti Brevi) and other hospitality associations. The court ruled that the Ministry’s requirement for physical guest identification lacked legal grounding, particularly given the legal framework set by the 2011 simplification reform.
What Was Annulled
- The obligation to physically identify the guest in person
- The implicit ban on remote verification methods like video calls or biometric apps
What Was Not Annulled
- The obligation to verify the guest’s identity still stands
- The use of keyboxes in public or uncontrolled spaces is still prohibited in Rome
Is Self Check-In Legal in Italy?
Yes, self check in è legale, provided it complies with identification obligations. The key takeaway is:
✅ You no longer need to identify guests in person.
❗️ But you must still verify their identity using approved methods.
How to Stay Compliant with Self Check-In
Italy’s Public Security Law (Article 109 TULPS) still requires hosts to:
- Collect personal data from all guests (name, ID/passport, address, etc.)
- Verify the identity of each guest
- Submit data to the Alloggiati Web portal within 24 hours of check-in
So while in-person check-ins are no longer mandatory, the verification process must still occur, now it can happen digitally.
Self Check In è Legale: How Chekin Ensures Compliance
Chekin offers a robust, fully compliant remote check-in system that simplifies guest verification:
Digital Identity Verification Tools
- Document scanning (OCR from national ID or passport)
- Biometric matching (selfie + ID photo comparison)
- Timestamped digital consent forms
Compliance Automation
- ✅ Automatic submission to Alloggiati Web & ISTAT
- ✅ Secure storage for audit readiness
- ✅ GDPR-compliant data processing
Guest Experience
- Self-service check-in from any device
- No need for physical keys thanks to smart lock integrations
- Multilingual flows and guest messaging tools
…and more
Want to learn more about Chekin? Speak with an expert to discover how we can help automate your check-in process, ensure legal compliance, increase revenue, and protect your property or hotel.
What About Keyboxes?
Despite the ruling, keyboxes placed in public areas remain illegal in Rome unless:
- They are installed within private premises
- Access is granted only after verified identity
- They are part of a system that ensures traceability
Chekin integrates with digital locks that only activate after identity verification is completed.
Conclusion
The message is clear: self check in è legale, but identity verification is still mandatory. Thanks to the ruling, Italy’s hosts can now legally adopt modern, contactless check-in systems, as long as they meet legal requirements.
With tools like Chekin, you can automate the entire guest onboarding process while staying fully compliant with Italian law. Remote doesn’t mean risky, it means smarter, safer, and more scalable.
Discover how Chekin can help you automate check-in, stay compliant, protect your property, and boost revenue—saving you 87% of your time and earning more from every booking.
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