Recent Italian regulations have introduced a series of obligations for short-term and tourist rentals with the aim of improving the safety of rented properties. Owners are now required to equip their units with safety devices such as portable fire extinguishers and combustible gas and carbon monoxide detectors . These tools are essential to prevent dangerous situations, protecting not only guests but also the property itself. These requirements reflect the importance of ensuring a safe and risk-free stay for everyone.
Legal Obligations for Short Term Rentals
General Requirements
All owners of properties intended for short-term or tourist rentals must comply with specific safety provisions. Among the main obligations:
- Combustible gas and carbon monoxide detectors: Devices that can quickly detect any leaks or accumulations of dangerous gases. These detectors emit an audible signal that allows you to take prompt action to avoid serious accidents.
- Portable fire extinguishers: they must be placed in strategic points of the house, such as entrances and areas where there are greater fire risks (kitchen, heating systems). The law requires at least one fire extinguisher for each floor and, in general, one for every 200 square meters of living space.
Business Management Requirements
Leases managed in an entrepreneurial form, i.e. those that operate as real economic activities, must comply with additional requirements. In particular:
- System compliance: each system (electrical, gas or water) must be compliant with the law and certified by authorized professionals. This guarantees the safety of both guests and operating personnel.
Technical Features of the Devices
Fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are essential tools for fire safety and must comply with some specific technical characteristics:
- Extinguishing capacity: Fire extinguishers must be able to extinguish at least 13A, a standard rating that measures the extinguisher's effectiveness against fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper and fabrics.
- Minimum charge: A portable fire extinguisher must have a charge of at least 6 kg or 6 litres, thus ensuring adequate operating capacity.
- Positioning: They should be placed in easily accessible areas and not obstructed by furniture or other objects. The maximum distance between a fire extinguisher and the user should not exceed 30 meters, allowing for rapid intervention in an emergency.
Gas Detectors
Gas detectors are devices designed to identify the presence of combustible gases or carbon monoxide in the environment and alert you if safe levels are exceeded. Key features include:
- Compliance standards: detectors must comply with European and Italian standards, such as EN 50291-1:2010 for carbon monoxide.
- Installation: They should be positioned carefully following the manufacturer's instructions. For example, combustible gas detectors should be installed near the ceiling, while carbon monoxide detectors can be placed at medium height.
- Alarms: These devices must emit clear audible and visual signals to ensure that everyone in the property can be alerted in a timely manner.
Exemptions
Not all landlords are required to install gas and carbon monoxide detectors. Exemptions apply in the following cases:
- Absence of gas systems: if the property does not have appliances that use combustible gases, the risk of leaks or the formation of carbon monoxide is practically zero, making the obligation to install them unnecessary.
- Alternative Energy: Properties that use all-electric energy sources, such as heat pumps or induction heating, are generally exempt from this requirement.
Penalties for Non-compliance
Failure to comply with the regulations entails heavy administrative sanctions that can significantly impact the owners' budget:
- Amount of fines: Fines range from a minimum of 600 euros to a maximum of 6,000 euros for each violation found. This makes it essential to comply with the requirements.
- Checks: Checks are carried out by the local police and any fines collected are used to finance local projects, such as tourism and environmental improvements.
Conclusion
Complying with safety regulations for short-term rentals is not only a legal obligation, but an important step towards protecting guests. Having portable fire extinguishers and gas detectors means preventing accidents and ensuring a safe and peaceful stay. To ensure compliance, it is advisable to contact professionals specialized in the selection, installation and maintenance of these devices. An investment in safety today can make a difference for the future of your business.
SOURCES
Decree of the Minister of Economic Development 22 January 2008, n. 37
