
Since December 15, 2023, all hosts subject to the Airbnb fire extinguisher requirement must adhere to new safety regulations. Italian law mandates that every tourist accommodation be equipped with compliant portable fire extinguishers. Fines range from €600 to €6,000 for those who fail to comply.
Table of Contents
- What the Italian Regulation Says
- Who Must Comply
- Features of Compliant Extinguishers
- Placement and Installation
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Design Solutions to Integrate Extinguishers
What the Italian Regulation Says
The Italian fire safety regulations for tourist rentals have undergone significant changes. Since December 15, 2023, it is mandatory to install specific safety devices in all accommodations used for tourist or short-term rentals.
Legal Requirements
The regulation stipulates that all properties rented via platforms like Airbnb must be equipped with:
- Portable fire extinguishers compliant with Italian standards
- Combustible gas detectors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
The Airbnb fire extinguisher requirement applies regardless of the rental contract duration or type of tourist accommodation.
Who Must Comply
Owners and Managers Involved
Fire safety for short-term rentals involves various categories:
- Private owners renting occasionally
- Professional managers of multiple properties
- B&B and holiday home owners
- Apartment managers on digital platforms
Types of Accommodations Covered
The requirement covers:
- Entire apartments
- Individual rooms
- Holiday homes
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Any accommodation with a kitchen or gas installations
Note: Only accommodations without gas installations and without carbon monoxide risk may be exempt from detectors. However, the Airbnb fire extinguisher requirement still applies to all.
Features of Compliant Extinguishers
Mandatory Regulatory Requirements
Portable fire extinguishers compliant with Italian law must meet specific standards:
Mandatory markings:
- CE mark for European conformity
- Standard EN 3-7+A1 for portable extinguishers
- NF certification or equivalent national approval
Visible information:
- Fire classes covered (A, B, C, D, F)
- Extinguishing capacity (e.g., 13A, 89B)
- Type and volume of extinguishing agent
- Usage and safety pictograms
- Manufacturer identification number
Recommended Sizes and Types
For standard tourist accommodations, it is recommended to use:
- Water mist extinguisher: 6 liters for every 200 m²
- Powder extinguisher: 6 kg for every 200 m²
- Maximum weight: under 20 kg for ease of use
The choice depends on present risks. Water extinguishers are ideal for fires involving solid materials, while powder extinguishers cover multiple fire classes.
Placement and Installation
Where to Place Extinguishers
The fire safety regulations for tourist rentals specify placement rules:
Mandatory locations:
- Near main entrances
- In high-risk areas such as kitchens
- One extinguisher every 200 m² or fraction thereof
- At least one extinguisher per floor
Accessibility requirements:
- Must be clearly visible and reachable
- Installation height between 0.5 and 1.5 meters
- Visible safety signage
- Unobstructed access path
Proper Installation
The Airbnb fire extinguisher requirement calls for professional installation:
- Certified wall mounts
- Annual inspection by a qualified technician
- Verification label attached
- Mandatory ten-year overhaul
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines and Penalties
Those who fail to meet the Airbnb fire extinguisher requirement face severe penalties:
Fine range:
- Minimum: €600
- Maximum: €6,000
- Varies by severity and repeat offenses
Additional consequences:
- Possible suspension of activity
- Civil liability in case of incident
- Insurance issues
Fire safety for short-term rentals is not only a legal obligation but also a responsibility towards guests.
Design Solutions to Integrate Extinguishers
The Aesthetic Challenge of Fire Extinguishers
Many hosts wonder how to reconcile the Airbnb fire extinguisher requirement with their accommodation’s decor. Traditional extinguishers can disrupt interior harmony.
Designer Protective Cabinets
An ideal solution is designer fire extinguisher cabinets that allow you to:
- Maintain regulatory compliance
- Preserve interior aesthetics
- Protect the extinguisher from damage
- Facilitate maintenance
Reverso Fire Extinguisher Cover by Designfeu
For those seeking an elegant and compliant solution, the Reverso Fire Extinguisher Cover is ideal:
Main advantages:
- Contemporary Italian design
- High-quality materials
- Simple and quick installation
- Full regulatory compliance
Technical features:
- Compatible with standard 6kg/6L extinguishers
- Easy emergency access
- Available in various finishes
Maintenance and Periodic Inspections
Mandatory Checks
Portable fire extinguishers compliant with Italian law require regular maintenance:
Annual inspection:
- Check by qualified technician
- Pressure and component inspection
- Functional mechanism test
- Update inspection label
Ten-year overhaul:
- Replacement of worn components
- Hydraulic test of the cylinder
- Full safety verification
- Renewed conformity certification
Maintenance Log
It is recommended to keep a log with:
- Dates of inspections conducted
- Name of the qualified technician
- Any interventions carried out
- Next inspection due dates
Conclusions and Next Steps
The Airbnb fire extinguisher requirement represents a crucial step for safety in Italian tourist rentals. The 2023 regulation has made fire protection devices mandatory rather than just recommended.
Key points to remember:
- Requirement effective from December 15, 2023
- Fines up to €6,000
- EN 3-7+A1 compliant extinguishers mandatory
- Annual maintenance required
- Design solutions available to integrate extinguishers
Immediate actions to take:
- Verify current accommodation compliance
- Purchase certified extinguishers
- Plan professional installation
- Organize periodic maintenance
Leave nothing to chance: fire safety for short-term rentals protects your guests and your business. Explore Designfeu’s solutions to turn a regulatory requirement into an aesthetic advantage.