Local property management in Lucca, built on care, presence and continuity
Monday, January 19, 2026,
Local property management in Lucca, built on care, presence and continuity
Property management is often described as a service.In reality, it is about care, attention and presence.Especially in Tuscany, where homes are rarely just properties. They are family houses, second homes, places tied to personal histories and memories. Many of these homes are located in the countryside around Lucca, in historic centres or in quiet villages, and are lived in only at certain times of the year. When owners are away, sometimes for long periods, these houses still need to be looked after.Taking care of a home when it is closed or only occasionally lived in requires consistency and local knowledge. It means knowing the house well, understanding how it behaves over time and across seasons, and noticing small changes before they turn into problems. In this part of Tuscany, issues such as humidity, systems that stop working properly or gardens that slowly lose balance can develop quietly. Often, owners become aware of these things only when they return.At Tuscanhouses, property management is first and foremost about ongoing care. It means regularly checking on a property, making sure everything works as it should, coordinating trusted local professionals when needed and keeping the house in good order throughout the year. But it also means familiarity. A house reveals its needs only to those who know it well, who have seen it in different moments and understand which details require more attention. Many homeowners in Tuscany live abroad or visit their properties only a few times a year. What they value most is the reassurance that someone local is there, quietly keeping an eye on things, ready to intervene when necessary and able to communicate clearly and honestly. This presence is discreet and often invisible, but essential.There is no standard way to take care of a home.Some properties need frequent visits, others less so. Some owners like to be informed about every detail, others prefer updates only when something truly requires a decision. Listening and adapting is part of providing good care.At Tuscanhouses, we work with a limited number of homes in and around Lucca and across selected areas of Tuscany, because attention cannot be rushed. Each property is followed with continuity and respect, always keeping in mind that a house is not just a structure, but a place that holds meaning.Taking care of a home is not about quick fixes or checklists.It is about preserving it over time, protecting what makes it special and ensuring that, whenever the owners return, the house still feels like home. In Tuscany, where homes often carry generations of stories, this kind of care matters.And that is what property management truly means to us — a quiet, consistent way of looking after places that matter.If you are looking for someone local to look after your home in Lucca or in the surrounding areas, having a trusted point of reference can make all the difference. Sometimes, simply knowing that your house is being cared for — even when you are far away — is what truly brings peace of mind.This is our way of honoring the trust that owners place in us. We believe that the quality of care is inversely proportional to haste and the number of properties managed. It is a conscious choice, made to ensure that every home continues to tell its story in the best possible way.If you feel that your home deserves this kind of care, we would be happy to have a conversation. You can reach us at elisa@tuscanhouses.com .
Local property management in Lucca, built on care, presence and continuity: Read More
Beyond the scapegoat: the risk factor and the real causes of the housing crisis
Tuesday, January 13, 2026,
Beyond simplified narratives: understanding the root causes of the housing crisis and the role of private owners.
Short-term rentals under attack: an analysis between perception, reality and regulationIn recent years, short-term rentals have increasingly become the focus of a heated public debate. In Italy, in particolare, they are often portrayed as one of the main causes of housing shortages, rising rents, and the reduced availability of long-term accommodation for residents. The narrative is simple and effective: more homes used for tourism mean fewer homes for local communities. As a result, short-term rentals have become an easy and visible target for restrictions, higher taxation, and tighter regulation.Reality, however, is far more complex.Housing pressure is driven by structural factors that go far beyond tourism. We are talking about a lack of long-term housing policies, demographic shifts, urban concentration, and slow construction processes. Short-term rentals are part of this system, but they are rarely its primary cause — especially outside major metropolitan areas.Take Tuscany, for example. In many parts of the region, short-term rentals represent only a small percentage of the overall housing stock. Yet, we see the same restrictive measures applied uniformly, without distinguishing between areas under severe pressure and those where the impact is limited. This approach risks addressing symptoms rather than underlying causes. It’s also vital to acknowledge that not all operators are the same: there is a clear distinction between large-scale companies managing dozens of units and private owners renting out a family property for limited periods. Treating these realities as identical simplifies the debate but rarely leads to effective solutions.But why is this sector always the target?One reason is visibility. These rentals are easy to identify, easy to regulate, and easy to communicate about in a political campaign. Restricting them creates the impression of swift, decisive action. But visibility does not equate to responsibility. A far less discussed — yet crucial — aspect of the housing crisis is why many owners are so reluctant to offer long-term rentals in the first place.For many, the shift away from traditional leases is driven not by higher profitability, but by risk. In Italy, landlords face significant uncertainty. When rent payments stop, even after two missed months, the legal procedures to regain possession can take months or even years. During this time, the owner continues to bear costs, taxes, and maintenance obligations without any effective protection. This lack of real safeguards plays a major role in reducing long-term supply.If landlords were offered concrete guarantees — such as the ability to recover possession promptly — confidence in long-term renting would increase significantly. Clear and enforceable rules would make traditional leases a viable option again for many. Such measures would likely have a much greater impact on housing availability than any restriction on short-term rentals, because they address the core issue: the fear of non-payment and prolonged legal uncertainty.We must also consider how our expectations have evolved. Many people are no longer willing to live in properties that lack modern standards, such as parking, elevators, or outdoor spaces like balconies and gardens. Our daily habits have changed, and this directly affects the type of homes people are willing to rent long-term. Not all properties meet today’s expectations, and this influences demand regardless of whether tourists are present or not.Restricting short-term rentals without addressing these deeper dynamics does not automatically encourage long-term leasing. Often, it leads to unintended consequences: properties withdrawn from the market altogether, homes left vacant, or the growth of informal rental arrangements. Regulation is necessary, but it works only when it is targeted, balanced, and based on real market dynamics rather than simplified assumptions.Finding effective solutions means acknowledging that there is no single answer. We need clear, proportionate rules that reflect social changes and the needs of those who live in and invest in our communities. Only then can a constructive dialogue and truly sustainable housing policies take shape.
Beyond the scapegoat: the risk factor and the real causes of the housing crisis: Read More
What property owners need to know about taxation, regulations and compliance
Saturday, January 3, 2026,
Short-term rentals in Italy: tax updates and legal requirements for 2026
Over the past few years, the regulatory and tax framework for short-term rentals in Italy has become increasingly complex and, at times, difficult for property owners to interpret. Following the final approval of the latest regulations, we believe it is useful to provide some clarity by summarising the main tax updates and recalling the legal obligations already in force, using a practical and straightforward approach.This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of your accountant or trusted consultant, with whom it is always essential to consult before making any operational decisions.
Taxation of short-term rentals in Italy: what changes in 2026
The flat tax regime (cedolare secca) continues to apply to short-term rentals, but with different rates depending on the number of properties used for this purpose. Specifically, the rate remains at 21% for the first property, while it increases to 26% from the second property.
One of the most relevant changes concerns the threshold at which a presumption of business activity applies. From the third property used for short-term rentals, the activity is generally considered to be carried out in an entrepreneurial form. This threshold has therefore been lowered compared to the past.
Where a presumption of business activity applies, VAT registration becomes mandatory, with the possibility to choose between the flat-rate tax regime, if eligibility requirements are met, or the ordinary tax regime.
Before making any fiscal decisions or changing the way a property is managed, it is always advisable to consult your accountant, taking into account your overall income, the number of properties owned and your medium- to long-term objectives.
Legal requirements for short-term rentals in Italy
In addition to tax matters, it is important to remember that short-term rental activity involves a number of mandatory legal requirements, which are already in force and often subject to inspections.
Each property used for tourist rentals must be registered in the National Accommodation Database and assigned an identification code (CIN or CIR). This code must be included in all online listings and promotional materials, and must also be displayed outside the property, in accordance with local regulations.
If the rental activity is carried out in an entrepreneurial form, or when the legal requirements are met, the SCIA filing with the local municipality is mandatory and must be completed before starting the activity.
Particular attention should also be paid to property safety requirements. Mandatory equipment includes properly installed and regularly serviced fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and, where required, carbon monoxide detectors, as well as the general compliance of installations and safety systems.
Operational obligations also include the communication of guests’ details to the competent authorities (for example via the Alloggiati Web system), the correct management of tourist tax where it is not automatically collected by booking platforms, and compliance with regional and local regulations, which may vary significantly from one area to another.
A conscious and sustainable approach to short-term rentals
In light of an increasingly structured regulatory environment, we believe it is essential to avoid rushed decisions and adopt a conscious and sustainable approach to managing properties used for short-term rentals.
Each situation is different and requires a personalised assessment, taking into account not only tax aspects but also the owner’s objectives, the characteristics of the property and the reference market.
Tuscanhouses support for property owners
Tuscanhouses supports property owners by providing informational and operational assistance, helping them navigate regulations, taxation and property management.
For those wishing to explore their individual situation or assess the most suitable solutions, it is possible to request an initial, no-obligation consultation. Reach us at elisa@tuscanhouses.com________________________________________
Article updated in accordance with current regulations, January 2026.
Taxation of short-term rentals in Italy: what changes in 2026
The flat tax regime (cedolare secca) continues to apply to short-term rentals, but with different rates depending on the number of properties used for this purpose. Specifically, the rate remains at 21% for the first property, while it increases to 26% from the second property.
One of the most relevant changes concerns the threshold at which a presumption of business activity applies. From the third property used for short-term rentals, the activity is generally considered to be carried out in an entrepreneurial form. This threshold has therefore been lowered compared to the past.
Where a presumption of business activity applies, VAT registration becomes mandatory, with the possibility to choose between the flat-rate tax regime, if eligibility requirements are met, or the ordinary tax regime.
Before making any fiscal decisions or changing the way a property is managed, it is always advisable to consult your accountant, taking into account your overall income, the number of properties owned and your medium- to long-term objectives.
Legal requirements for short-term rentals in Italy
In addition to tax matters, it is important to remember that short-term rental activity involves a number of mandatory legal requirements, which are already in force and often subject to inspections.
Each property used for tourist rentals must be registered in the National Accommodation Database and assigned an identification code (CIN or CIR). This code must be included in all online listings and promotional materials, and must also be displayed outside the property, in accordance with local regulations.
If the rental activity is carried out in an entrepreneurial form, or when the legal requirements are met, the SCIA filing with the local municipality is mandatory and must be completed before starting the activity.
Particular attention should also be paid to property safety requirements. Mandatory equipment includes properly installed and regularly serviced fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and, where required, carbon monoxide detectors, as well as the general compliance of installations and safety systems.
Operational obligations also include the communication of guests’ details to the competent authorities (for example via the Alloggiati Web system), the correct management of tourist tax where it is not automatically collected by booking platforms, and compliance with regional and local regulations, which may vary significantly from one area to another.
A conscious and sustainable approach to short-term rentals
In light of an increasingly structured regulatory environment, we believe it is essential to avoid rushed decisions and adopt a conscious and sustainable approach to managing properties used for short-term rentals.
Each situation is different and requires a personalised assessment, taking into account not only tax aspects but also the owner’s objectives, the characteristics of the property and the reference market.
Tuscanhouses support for property owners
Tuscanhouses supports property owners by providing informational and operational assistance, helping them navigate regulations, taxation and property management.
For those wishing to explore their individual situation or assess the most suitable solutions, it is possible to request an initial, no-obligation consultation. Reach us at elisa@tuscanhouses.com________________________________________
Article updated in accordance with current regulations, January 2026.
What property owners need to know about taxation, regulations and compliance: Read More