Italian rental property owners oppose anti-over-tourist measures such as breaking key lockers. “Sabotage and acts of vandalism are illegal; we are ready to report it,” warns their association.
In recent months, there have been frequent protests in many Italian cities against the increase in the number of short-term rental apartments for tourists.
“These incidents are the result of an atmosphere of hatred”
In Rome, Florence and other cities from the north to the south of the country, the participants of these initiatives filmed or smashed special key boxes for rental apartments. Activists often signed themselves as “Robin Hood’s Gang”.
The president of the Association of Homeowners, Lorenzo Fagnoni, referring to such protests, stated: “These incidents are the result of an atmosphere of hatred towards tourists and strong opposition to those who work in our industry, which makes cities and workers rich for many people and families. “
Fagnoni, cited by the Italian press, also noted that slogans appeared on the walls of residential houses, for example, in Florence: “Tourists, go home.”
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“The authorities must solve the housing crisis”
He mentioned that the protesters, among other things, believe that the phenomenon of mass distribution of apartments to tourists will cause a crisis in the real estate market, as well as speculation and increase in prices, which will be unaffordable for households.
Lorenzo Fagnoni said: “It must be made clear that the authorities must solve the housing crisis using public funds, not through private property. The right to housing is sacred, just as private property is inviolable.”
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