Many new developments for vacation rentals in Puglia: with Article 5 of Puglia Regional Law no. 15/2025, new obligations come into force for those who rent out properties for tourist use, even on a non-business basis. The aim of the Puglia Region is to regulate the sector more clearly, increasing transparency, safety, and guest protection. But what does this mean for property owners? Let’s see what needs to be done in practice to stay compliant.

1. Start of Activity Notification (CIA for vacation rentals): mandatory for non-business vacation rentals

Anyone renting out a property to tourists without a VAT number (to understand whether you fall into this category, see my in-depth guide Short-term rentals 2026: what you need to know) must submit a Start of Activity Notification (CIA) to the SUAP office of the municipality where the property is located. The CIA must include:

  • personal details of the owner/landlord (or other entitled party);
  • tax code of the declarant;
  • full address of the property and cadastral details;
  • legal basis for using the property (ownership, usufruct, lease, loan for use, or other);
  • classification of the activity as a non-business tourist rental;
  • accommodation capacity (maximum number of beds);
  • operating period (year-round or seasonal);
  • Regional Identification Code (CIS) obtained via DMS Puglia;
  • scaled floor plan of the premises (at least 1:50);
  • declaration of habitability;
  • declaration of compliance with hygiene, health, and safety requirements;
  • commitment to comply with public safety obligations, tourist reporting, and tax regulations.

The CIA takes effect immediately, subject to subsequent checks by the municipality.

2. Vacation rentals already operating and new ones: pay attention to deadlines

If the vacation rental was already active before September 30, 2025, the owner must comply by submitting the CIA for tourist rentals (or SCIA if operating as a business) within 365 days, i.e. by September 30, 2026. Otherwise, the activity is considered unauthorized and may be subject to penalties. If, on the other hand, the tourist rental has not yet started, the CIA or SCIA must be submitted before the activity begins.

3. Mandatory insurance policy

All tourist rentals, both business and non-business, must be covered by a third-party liability insurance policy for guests, with coverage limits appropriate to the number of beds. This is an essential requirement and must be declared and attached within the CIA/SCIA.

4. CIS and CIN: still mandatory

In addition to these regional requirements, you must obtain the CIS (Regional Identification Code) through DMS Puglia and subsequently the national CIN. These codes must be displayed in online listings, in contracts, and—according to municipal rules—also on the property.

5. Other obligations not to forget

Anyone renting to tourists must also:

  • report arrivals and stays (SPOT / ISTAT);
  • register guests on Alloggiati Web (Public Security portal);
  • collect and pay the tourist tax, if applicable;
  • notify the SUAP of any suspension or termination of the activity.

Conclusion

  • Verify habitability and urban planning compliance
  • Take out the mandatory insurance policy
  • Submit the CIA (or SCIA if operating as a business)
  • Obtain and correctly use CIS and CIN
  • Comply with safety, statistical, and tax obligations

Complying with the new regulations means avoiding penalties and managing your vacation rental correctly and professionally. Our agency, ThePuglia Immobiliare, can assist you in evaluating your property and submitting the CIA: contact us at +39 392 6216450.

Legal reference: Introdotte la CIA – Comunicazione Inizio Attività per le locazioni turistiche non imprenditoriali e la polizza assicurativa per tutte le locazioni turistiche