Recent Italian legislation has introduced specific obligations for owners of properties intended for short-term or tourist rentals. In particular, it is now necessary to equip such structures with portable fire extinguishers and combustible gas and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
Obligations Provided by Law
Legislative Decree no. 18 of 2023 October 145, converted with amendments into Law no. 15 of 2023 December 191, establishes that all real estate units intended for short-term rentals or for tourism purposes must be equipped with:
Portable Fire Extinguishers: They must be positioned in accessible and visible areas, especially near entrances and areas at greatest risk. At least one fire extinguisher is required for every 200 square meters of surface area, with a minimum of one fire extinguisher per floor.
TAX AND LABOUR CONSULTANCY.
Combustible Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: These devices must be functional and comply with European regulations. Carbon monoxide detectors must comply with EN 50291, while combustible gas detectors must comply with EN 50194.
Exemptions
Landlords of real estate units without gas systems and where the risk of uncontrolled release of such gases is excluded with certainty are exempt from the obligation to install combustible gas and carbon monoxide detectors. However, the obligation to have portable fire extinguishers remains valid for all structures.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to install the required devices entails administrative sanctions ranging from 600 to 6.000 euros for each violation found.
Installation Tips
Fire extinguishers: Make sure that fire extinguishers are easily accessible and visible, placing them near entrances and areas at greatest risk. Verify that they have adequate extinguishing capacity and that they are periodically maintained by qualified personnel.
Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
Combustible Gas Detectors: Install them near gas appliances, such as stoves or boilers. For methane (a gas lighter than air), place them near the ceiling; for LPG (a gas heavier than air), near the floor.
HOME ADVICE
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Place them 1,5 to 2 meters above the floor, preferably at eye level of a seated person, and away from windows or doors to avoid interference.
HOME ADVICE
Machine maintenance: Perform periodic tests to ensure that your devices are functioning properly and replace batteries when necessary.
Importance of Compliance
Complying with these regulations not only avoids fines, but also ensures a safe environment for guests, increasing the reputation of the facility and customer trust.
Conclusion
The implementation of portable fire extinguishers and combustible gas and carbon monoxide detectors is now a legal requirement for short-term and tourist rentals in Italy. It is essential for owners to ensure that their properties comply with the new regulations, thus protecting both their guests and their investment.
FAQ on Security in Short Term and Tourist Rentals
*1. Which locations must meet the safety requirements set out in Legislative Decree no. 145/2023?*
All real estate units intended for short-term rentals (pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 50/2017) or for tourism purposes must meet safety requirements, regardless of the start date of the activity.
*2. When does the obligation to comply with safety requirements come into force?*
The obligations start from the moment of acquisition and display of the National Identification Code (CIN), assigned following a substitute declaration certifying compliance with the safety requirements.
*3. What safety devices are mandatory for short-term rentals?*
Each real estate unit must be equipped with:
– Working combustible gas and carbon monoxide detectors.
– Portable fire extinguishers compliant with current regulations.
*4. Are non-business leases subject to these obligations?*
Yes. The obligations also apply to real estate units managed in a non-entrepreneurial manner.
*5. Do Bed & Breakfasts and Guest Houses have to comply with these regulations?*
No, but they remain subject to other safety obligations provided for by current legislation.
*6. Does renting a single room require compliance with safety requirements?*
Yes, even individual rooms rented under short-term rental contracts must comply with safety requirements.
*7. If the building is already equipped with fire extinguishers, do I have to install them in the apartment too?*
Yes, the law requires that each real estate unit be independently equipped with fire extinguishers.
*8. Must the installation of the devices be carried out by a specialized technician?*
It is not necessary, but it is recommended to ensure proper operation. The installation must still comply with the technical standards and the manufacturer's instructions.
*9. What features should combustible gas and carbon monoxide detectors have?*
They must comply with European standards (EN 50291 for carbon monoxide and EN 50194 for combustible gases) and be equipped with an alarm signalling system.
*10. What are the requirements for fire extinguishers?*
They must have a minimum extinguishing capacity of 13A, a minimum charge of 6 kg or 6 litres, and comply with the UNI 9994-1 technical standard for maintenance.
*11. Where should fire extinguishers be placed?*
They must be located in visible and easily accessible positions, preferably near the accesses and areas at greatest risk.
*12. How many fire extinguishers must be installed per property unit?*
– At least 1 fire extinguisher for every 200 m² of surface area.
– At least 1 fire extinguisher per floor, regardless of the overall surface area.
*13. I rent multiple apartments in the same building. Does each apartment need to have its own devices?*
Yes, each real estate unit must be equipped with independent detectors and fire extinguishers.
*14. Are holiday homes without gas systems exempt from the obligation to install detectors?*
Yes, but only if the risk of release of combustible gases or formation of carbon monoxide can be excluded with certainty.
*15. What are the penalties for non-compliance?*
Fines range from 600 to 6.000 euros for each violation found.
*16. What regulations govern the installation of safety devices?*
The installation must comply with national and European technical standards, as well as the manufacturer's instructions and Ministerial Decree 22 January 2008, n. 37.
*17. How should fire extinguishers be maintained?*
Fire extinguishers must be checked periodically, according to the instructions in the manufacturer's manual and the UNI 9994-1 standard.
*18. What are good practices for detector placement?*
– Combustible gas detectors: near the ceiling for methane, near the floor for LPG.
– Carbon monoxide detectors: at a height of between 1,5 and 2 metres.
*19. Can I install mobile security devices?*
Yes, the standard allows the use of removable devices, as long as they comply with the regulations.
*20. Where can I purchase certified devices?*
You can find certified and compliant devices on our official website: [GuestKey](https://www.guestkey.it).