How to Keep Your Vacation Home Spotless and Guest-Ready
Saturday, July 12, 2025,
Holiday Rental Cleaning Guide: The Ultimate Checklist for Hosts
Cleaning is one of the most sensitive aspects of any short-term rental.For guests, a dirty home can ruin a holiday before it even begins. For hosts, it can damage their reputation — and their business.That’s why property owners and managers should always approach deep cleaning with a structured plan. Whether you do it yourself or hire a team of professionals, keeping your holiday home spotless is essential to delivering a flawless guest experience.We’ve created this practical cleaning checklist to help you tackle every corner of your vacation rental and maintain the highest standards.General Areas & Common SpacesThere’s a big difference between a home that feels lived-in and welcoming, and one that feels neglected. Guests notice — especially the small details like:Light switchesDoor handlesCabinet knobsQuick tip: Do a walk-through after each check-out to spot anything missed.Deep Cleaning Checklist – General & Common AreasWash walls; repaint if neededClean all handles, switches, and light platesWash windowsWash or dry-clean curtains and window fabricsSteam clean upholstery and soft furnishingsReplace or refresh cushion stuffingClean fireplace ashDust shelves, artwork, décor, and ceiling fansMove furniture to vacuum behind and underneathClean or replace air filters and boiler filtersEmpty dryer lint trap and clean washing machineCheck fire extinguisher pressureReplace smoke/CO2 detector batteriesReplace clock batteriesCheck for pest issues and call exterminator if neededInspect for humidity or mold; treat immediatelyCheck door frames and fuse box; label switchesOutdoor AreasFirst impressions matter. The exterior of your home sets the tone for everything inside.Outdoor Cleaning ChecklistRemove leaves and debris from guttersPower wash wooden decks and patiosCheck for termite damage or wood rotInspect exterior paint and fillerCheck roof and drainage systemsInspect stairs, railings, and door framesTest all locksService garage doorEnsure irrigation systems are workingTrim trees and hedgesClean or replace door matsClean air conditioning unitsScrub the barbecueAdd seasonal plants or flowersCheck septic tank and rainwater drainageInspect for window draftsKitchenMany guests choose holiday rentals for the full kitchen — make sure it’s spotless and well-stocked.Kitchen Deep Cleaning ChecklistClean oven and stovetopDisinfect refrigerator and freezerEmpty pantry and clean shelvesCheck expiry dates on all goodsDeep clean cutlery drawers and utensilsReplace spices and condiments if neededClean grease from extractor hoodDisinfect garbage bins or replace if damagedWash all tiles (don’t forget grout lines!)Check for leaks under the sinkReplace dish towels, coffee filters, napkinsRefill cleaning supplies, trash bags, vacuum bagsLeave a clean mop, bucket, and broom for emergenciesBathroomsA spotless bathroom is non-negotiable for guests. Mold and damp build up easily — stay on top of it.Bathroom Deep Cleaning ChecklistReplace worn towels and bath matsWash or replace shower curtains (opt for glass where possible)Vacuum under sinks and inside cabinetsSanitize toothbrush holders and soap dishesReplace toilet brush or sanitize thoroughlyClean shower walls and groutRemove mold and reseal with silicone if neededCheck for leaksAdd an air freshenerRefill toilet paperBedroomsAfter a long day of exploring, guests want a clean and comfortable bed. Invest in quality linens and mattresses that last.Bedroom Deep Cleaning ChecklistCheck mattress, pillows, and bedding condition; replace if neededWash all bedding, including mattress and pillow protectorsUse waterproof covers and bleach-wash them between staysRotate mattresses regularlyReplace or wash duvets and bedspreads after every guestSeasonal Deep CleansIn addition to your regular cleaning routine, plan at least two deep cleans per year — ideally before peak season. This ensures your home looks (and smells) fresh, and keeps your standards high. Need Professional Advice?Keeping your holiday rental in top shape can be a lot of work — but you’re not alone.At TuscanHouses.com, we don’t just offer beautiful villas and vacation homes — we support our owners and partners with practical advice, trusted local contacts, and years of experience in short-term rental management across Tuscany.Need help or cleaning referrals in the Lucca area? Contact us today — we’re here to help you keep your property guest-ready all year round.
How to Keep Your Vacation Home Spotless and Guest-Ready: Read More
Annual Tourist Tax Declaration to the Agency of the Territory
Thursday, June 26, 2025,
Annual Tourist Tax Declaration: Deadlines, Procedure, and How We Can Help
If you own a holiday home or manage a rental property in Italy, it’s important to be aware that you are required to submit the annual tourist tax declaration (dichiarazione annuale dell’imposta di soggiorno) to the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate), even if your rental activity was limited or if you didn’t collect any tourist tax during the year.Who is required to submit the declaration?
The following parties must file the declaration:
• Managers of hospitality accommodations (hotels, agriturismi, B&Bs, guesthouses, campsites, etc.)
• Owners of holiday rentals or short-term lets
• Anyone who collects the tourist tax from guests on behalf of the local municipality
Even if you collected no tourist tax during the year, the declaration is still mandatory and must indicate zero tax collected.
Deadline and submission process
The declaration must be submitted by June 30 of the year following the reference year (e.g., by June 30, 2025, for the 2024 tax year).
The submission must be done exclusively online through the official website of the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency), using an Italian digital identity such as SPID, CIE, or CNS. Alternatively, a certified tax professional (intermediario abilitato) can file it on your behalf.
What if I am a foreign owner?
If you are a non-Italian resident and do not have access to SPID or other Italian digital credentials:
• You cannot submit the declaration directly through the government portal
• You will need to appoint a local intermediary (e.g., an Italian tax advisor or agency)
• Alternatively, we can take care of it for you: at www.tuscanhouses.com, we offer support for our international clients and can assist with filing the annual tourist tax declaration on your behalfAnnual Tourist Tax Declaration: What to Include if You Had Both Direct Bookings and Airbnb
If during the year you had direct bookings (for which you personally paid the tourist tax via F24) and bookings through Airbnb (which collected and paid the tax on your behalf), make sure to fill out your annual declaration correctly on the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Tax Authority) website.
1. Only include the amounts you personally paid
In the Payments section, enter:
• The total amount you paid directly to the Municipality • The number of stays/nights and rate per night, only for your direct bookings• The eventual payment references in the General Notes section2. Do not include the amounts paid by Airbnb in the “Amount paid” field
The tourist tax collected and paid by Airbnb should not be included in the “Amount paid to the Municipality” field, since you didn’t pay it directly.
But it must still be declared in the General Notes section
In the “General Notes” field, you can write something like:
"For the year 2024, part of the tourist tax was paid directly by the undersigned and part was collected and paid by Airbnb as intermediary." OR "Direct bookings: €300 paid. Bookings through Airbnb: €500 collected and paid by Airbnb."
Important note!
Do not sum the two amounts (direct + Airbnb) and enter the total in “Amount paid to the Municipality”. That field must only reflect your direct payments
Practical example
You had:
• 20 direct stays → you paid €300
• 35 Airbnb stays → Airbnb paid €500
Your declaration should include:
• €300 in the “Amount paid” field• Only the 20 direct stays in the presence fields• In the general notes, write:
"Direct bookings: €300 paid directly. Bookings through Airbnb: €500 paid by Airbnb as intermediary."Explanation of the tourist tax declaration fields Period: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 quarterRefers to the reporting period of the declaration.Tax applied per night*The full tourist tax amount applied per night, according to the standard municipal rate.Reduced tax applied per nightThe reduced tourist tax amount applied in special cases established by the local regulations, such as for stays longer than a certain number of nights or for certain guest categories.Number of nights at standard rate*Total number of nights for which the full standard tax was applied.Example: If 2 guests stay for 3 nights and pay the full tourist tax, the number of nights at standard rate will be 6 (2 people x 3 nights = 6 nights).Number of tax-exempt nightsTotal number of nights exempt from the tourist tax because the guest belonged to an exempt category (e.g. minors under a certain age, people with disabilities, accompanying persons, police officers on duty, etc.).Number of nights with reduced rateTotal number of nights for which a reduced tourist tax rate was applied, based on the local municipality’s criteria.* Fields marked with an asterisk are mandatory.If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact us via our website, www.tuscanhouses.com – we’ll be happy to assist you!
What happens if I don’t submit it?Failing to submit the declaration on time may result in administrative penalties, even if no tax was collected. It’s therefore essential to comply with the deadline and keep documentation of all collected and paid tourist taxes.
Need assistance?
If you need help submitting your annual tourist tax declaration or have questions about your obligations as a property owner in Italy, feel free to contact us at www.tuscanhouses.com. We are here to support both Italian and international owners with all the administrative steps related to holiday rentals.
The following parties must file the declaration:
• Managers of hospitality accommodations (hotels, agriturismi, B&Bs, guesthouses, campsites, etc.)
• Owners of holiday rentals or short-term lets
• Anyone who collects the tourist tax from guests on behalf of the local municipality
Even if you collected no tourist tax during the year, the declaration is still mandatory and must indicate zero tax collected.
Deadline and submission process
The declaration must be submitted by June 30 of the year following the reference year (e.g., by June 30, 2025, for the 2024 tax year).
The submission must be done exclusively online through the official website of the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency), using an Italian digital identity such as SPID, CIE, or CNS. Alternatively, a certified tax professional (intermediario abilitato) can file it on your behalf.
What if I am a foreign owner?
If you are a non-Italian resident and do not have access to SPID or other Italian digital credentials:
• You cannot submit the declaration directly through the government portal
• You will need to appoint a local intermediary (e.g., an Italian tax advisor or agency)
• Alternatively, we can take care of it for you: at www.tuscanhouses.com, we offer support for our international clients and can assist with filing the annual tourist tax declaration on your behalfAnnual Tourist Tax Declaration: What to Include if You Had Both Direct Bookings and Airbnb
If during the year you had direct bookings (for which you personally paid the tourist tax via F24) and bookings through Airbnb (which collected and paid the tax on your behalf), make sure to fill out your annual declaration correctly on the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Tax Authority) website.
1. Only include the amounts you personally paid
In the Payments section, enter:
• The total amount you paid directly to the Municipality • The number of stays/nights and rate per night, only for your direct bookings• The eventual payment references in the General Notes section2. Do not include the amounts paid by Airbnb in the “Amount paid” field
The tourist tax collected and paid by Airbnb should not be included in the “Amount paid to the Municipality” field, since you didn’t pay it directly.
But it must still be declared in the General Notes section
In the “General Notes” field, you can write something like:
"For the year 2024, part of the tourist tax was paid directly by the undersigned and part was collected and paid by Airbnb as intermediary." OR "Direct bookings: €300 paid. Bookings through Airbnb: €500 collected and paid by Airbnb."
Important note!
Do not sum the two amounts (direct + Airbnb) and enter the total in “Amount paid to the Municipality”. That field must only reflect your direct payments
Practical example
You had:
• 20 direct stays → you paid €300
• 35 Airbnb stays → Airbnb paid €500
Your declaration should include:
• €300 in the “Amount paid” field• Only the 20 direct stays in the presence fields• In the general notes, write:
"Direct bookings: €300 paid directly. Bookings through Airbnb: €500 paid by Airbnb as intermediary."Explanation of the tourist tax declaration fields Period: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 quarterRefers to the reporting period of the declaration.Tax applied per night*The full tourist tax amount applied per night, according to the standard municipal rate.Reduced tax applied per nightThe reduced tourist tax amount applied in special cases established by the local regulations, such as for stays longer than a certain number of nights or for certain guest categories.Number of nights at standard rate*Total number of nights for which the full standard tax was applied.Example: If 2 guests stay for 3 nights and pay the full tourist tax, the number of nights at standard rate will be 6 (2 people x 3 nights = 6 nights).Number of tax-exempt nightsTotal number of nights exempt from the tourist tax because the guest belonged to an exempt category (e.g. minors under a certain age, people with disabilities, accompanying persons, police officers on duty, etc.).Number of nights with reduced rateTotal number of nights for which a reduced tourist tax rate was applied, based on the local municipality’s criteria.* Fields marked with an asterisk are mandatory.If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact us via our website, www.tuscanhouses.com – we’ll be happy to assist you!
What happens if I don’t submit it?Failing to submit the declaration on time may result in administrative penalties, even if no tax was collected. It’s therefore essential to comply with the deadline and keep documentation of all collected and paid tourist taxes.
Need assistance?
If you need help submitting your annual tourist tax declaration or have questions about your obligations as a property owner in Italy, feel free to contact us at www.tuscanhouses.com. We are here to support both Italian and international owners with all the administrative steps related to holiday rentals.
Annual Tourist Tax Declaration to the Agency of the Territory: Read More
Tourist tax in Tuscany: what it is, when to pay it, and how it works
Monday, March 17, 2025,
If you rent out a holiday home or tourist accommodation in Tuscany – even for short stays – you’ll eventually have to deal with the tourist tax, also known as the city tax. But what exactly is it? And what should hosts know when renting in places like Lucca, Pisa, or Pistoia?
What is the tourist tax?The tourist tax is a local tax that can be applied by Italian municipalities to guests staying in any type of accommodation, including short-term rentals and holiday homes.It was introduced by Legislative Decree No. 23 of March 14, 2011, and can be applied by municipalities identified as tourist destinations or cities of art.Each municipality can independently decide whether to apply it, how much to charge, and for how many nights.The maximum amount set by national law is €5 per person per night, although some exceptions may apply for certain types of accommodations.Who pays the tax and when?The tourist tax is paid by the guest, and the host is responsible for collecting it.It’s usually paid at check-in or before departure, depending on local regulations.The host must:collect the tax from guests;submit the required information through the local municipality portal;pay the collected amount to the municipality within the given deadlines.There are often exemptions for certain categories, such as children, people with disabilities, accompanying persons, police officers, and emergency volunteers.How much is the tourist tax in Tuscany?Here’s what you need to know if you’re hosting tourists in some of the most popular destinations in Tuscany:Lucca: € 3.50 per person per night, for up to 3 nights per stay.Viareggio: € 1.50 per person per night, for up to 10 nights.Camaiore: € 1.50 per person per night, for up to 7 nights.Massarosa: € 1.50 per person per night, for up to 5 nights.Pistoia: € 1.00 per person per night, for up to 5 nights.Vicopisano: no tourist tax currently applies.Rules and amounts vary from town to town. Always check the official website of your local municipality or get in touch with the local tax office.How is it managed?Most Tuscan municipalities provide an online platform where hosts can:register their property;access guides and regulations;report guest stays;make payments, often via the PagoPA system.In conclusionIf you rent out a holiday home or tourist apartment, managing the tourist tax correctly is a must. The process is now mostly digital and fairly straightforward, but it’s still important to stay compliant to avoid fines and offer a professional experience to your guests.If you’re unsure how to handle the tax or need help managing your rental property, feel free to contact us — we’re here to help!
Tourist tax in Tuscany: what it is, when to pay it, and how it works: Read More