Short-term rentals: the CIN code

What is the CIN Code?

The National Identification Code (CIN) is a code assigned to all structures intended for tourist use, including apartments for short-term rentals, hotels and other non-hotel structures come B&B, ostelli, agriturismi e affittacamere. Questo codice viene fornito dal Ministero del Turismo su richiesta del proprietario dell’immobile.

One of the main innovations linked to the introduction of this identifier is the registration of information relating to all structures within a National Database. This project aims to improve transparency and control in the short-term rental sector, contributing to more effective management of hospitality businesses.

The CIN is an alphanumeric code divided into several sections:

1. Ministry Recoding Code: represents the recoding established by the Ministry;
2. ISTAT code of the Province: identifies the Province based on the ISTAT code;
3. ISTAT code of the Municipality: specifies the Municipality using the ISTAT code;
4. ISTAT Classification Code: determines the category of the structure according to ISTAT criteria;
5. Random Alphanumeric Sequence: guarantees the uniqueness of the code thanks to a random sequence of characters.

The Ministry of Tourism has communicated that the CIN obligation will come into force 60 days after the publication of the notice in the Official Journal, which will formalize the operation of the Accommodation Structures Database (BDSR) and the MITUR portal for the assignment of the identification code.

This publication took place on 3 September 2024, therefore, the CIN code for short-term rentals will officially become mandatory in all Italian regions starting from 2 November 2024. The first experimental phase which involved only some Regions, in fact, ended on 1 September 2024.

The National Identification Code it is mandatory for the following categories of properties and structures:

• Real estate units intended for rental contracts for tourist use;
• Properties intended for short-term rentals;
• Tourist accommodation facilities, both hotel and non-hotel.

The difference between CIN Code and CIR Code

The National Identification Code (CIN) will replace the previous Regional Identification Code (CIR), maintaining the same format.

The main difference between the two codes is that the CIN will not only take the place of the old CIR, but will also contribute to the creation of a National Database, which will contain information on all the tourist facilities present in Italy.

Each Region will be responsible for generating the CIN Code, adding an alphanumeric prefix to the pre-existing CIR, provided directly by the Ministry of Tourism. Therefore, the 20 Regions that were already using the CIR will have to complete the conversion within 30 days for existing codes and within 7 days for newly assigned ones.

To whom must the CIN Code be communicated?

The CIN code for short-term rentals must not simply be communicated, but must be displayed clearly. At a national level, owners of properties intended for rental are obliged to display the CIN both outside the structure and on their online portals.

The rules provide, in fact, the following:

• The CIN code must be displayed near the name of the property, outside the building to which it refers.
• The CIN code must be entered in all advertisements published on OTA portals (such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia) and on any site where the property is promoted, including direct booking sites.

What are the sanctions?

The sanctions provided for failure to comply with the rules relating to the National Identification Code (CIN) vary depending on the type of infringement committed.

If the structure comes advertised or lThe property is rented without the CIN regularly obtained, some are expected economic sanctions with amounts ranging from €800 to €8,000.

There failure to display the CIN outside the property or in all online advertisements, on portals or websites, may result fines of amounts between €500 and €5,000.

These rules ensure that guests can have clear and complete information on the identity and regularity of the structure during the research and booking phases of the various accommodations.

The control of compliance with the rules relating to the CIN will be carried out by the Municipalities and local police authorities. These bodies will have the task of monitoring that the accommodation facilities operate in compliance with the regulations currently in force.