Key point
A written contract is strongly recommended even for stays of only a few nights. It records the parties, property, tourist purpose, dates, price and rules of use, and helps prove that the arrangement is a lease rather than an organised hospitality service.
For stays of no more than 30 days, registration is generally not required in a fixed term. The threshold must nevertheless be checked by considering contracts between the same parties during the calendar year.
1. Why use a written contract?
A booking confirmation may establish the reservation, but a separate written agreement can define the legal relationship more precisely and reduce uncertainty if a dispute arises.
- It identifies the landlord, guest and accommodation.
- It states the temporary tourist purpose of the stay.
- It records arrival, departure, price and payment terms.
- It defines the maximum number of occupants.
- It regulates cancellations, deposits, damage and house rules.
- It provides evidence in the event of controls or failure to vacate.
2. Legal nature of the agreement
A tourist rental is generally a lease of furnished residential property for a temporary purpose connected with travel or tourism. The guest receives the right to use the property for the agreed period without transferring habitual residence.
Do not confuse a tourist lease with accommodation activity
The contract should not promise hotel-style or personal services unless the operator is legally authorised to provide them. Regional legislation may classify organised holiday-home activity differently from a private tourist rental.
3. Essential clauses
- full details of the landlord and lead guest;
- the property address and description;
- the CIN and any relevant regional or local code;
- the exclusively temporary tourist purpose;
- check-in and check-out dates and times;
- the total rent and payment method;
- any security deposit and conditions for its return;
- the number and identity of authorised occupants;
- rules on subletting, parties, smoking, pets and noise;
- utilities, linen, cleaning and other included items;
- cancellation and early-departure terms;
- governing law and dispute provisions.
Use a language the guest understands
For foreign guests, a bilingual contract is often preferable. State which language prevails if the two versions differ.
4. Duration and registration
A contract lasting no more than 30 days is generally not subject to registration in a fixed term. Multiple contracts between the same landlord and guest must be considered together during the calendar year.
| Duration | General treatment |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 days | No fixed-term registration, subject to annual aggregation between the same parties |
| More than 30 days | Registration is generally required |
Registration is only one obligation
Even when the contract is not registered, police reporting, tourist tax, statistical filings, CIN and income-tax obligations may still apply.
5. Online bookings and check-in contracts
A reservation made through Airbnb, Booking.com or another platform may already create a binding relationship under the listing, platform terms and accepted booking conditions.
A document signed at check-in should therefore reflect the agreement already reached online. It should not introduce unexpected or materially more burdensome terms that the guest did not accept.
6. Price, deposits and house rules
State the total rent, what it includes and any sums payable separately. Distinguish rent from municipal tourist tax collected from the guest.
- Identify the gross agreed rent and payment schedule.
- Explain any cleaning or linen charge.
- Set objective rules for security-deposit deductions and return.
- State maximum occupancy and rules for visitors.
- Address smoking, pets, noise, waste and shared areas.
7. Official Chamber of Commerce sample contract
The Chamber of Commerce of Milan Monza Brianza Lodi prepared a model agreement for short-term tourist rentals between private parties, together with explanatory guidelines. The documents are available in Italian, English, German, Russian and Chinese.
The Chamber states that the Italian text is the original and prevails in the event of discrepancy or difficulty of interpretation. The model dates from 2019 and should be adapted to current rules, including CIN and regional or municipal requirements.
8. Practical checklist
- Confirm that the property may legally be used for tourist rental.
- Check CIN, regional and municipal requirements.
- Verify the guest's identity and authorised occupants.
- Ensure dates and price match the online booking.
- State the tourist purpose and temporary nature of the stay.
- Check whether registration is required.
- Attach or incorporate the house rules.
- Provide a copy signed by both parties.
- Retain the contract with booking and payment records.
9. Frequently asked questions
Is a written contract needed for a few nights?
It is strongly recommended because it documents the parties, property, duration, price and tourist purpose.
Must a contract of no more than 30 days be registered?
Generally no, but contracts between the same parties must be aggregated during the calendar year.
Is an Airbnb booking confirmation a contract?
It may create a binding relationship. Any later signed document should remain consistent with the terms accepted online.
Can the agreement be in English?
Yes. A bilingual version is often preferable, with a clause identifying the prevailing language.
Can I use the Chamber model without changes?
It should be reviewed and adapted because it dates from 2019 and may not reflect later national, regional or municipal requirements.
10. Official and related sources
Need a contract tailored to your property?
Studio Polli provides guidance on tourist rental agreements, registration, platform bookings and the coordination of national and local requirements.