The phenomenon of illegal B&Bs in Naples is not new, but in recent years it has transformed into a veritable parallel network, increasingly difficult to intercept.
It's not just a few rooms rented without permission: behind it lies a network that operates outside of official channels and takes full advantage of the visibility and shadowy areas of social networks.
The alarm has risen again just before the mid-August holiday, a period when tourist influxes increase and last-minute bookings explode. The Carabinieri have intensified checks in the city and on the islands in the gulf, with particular attention to the historic center, the beating heart of hospitality but also a breeding ground for illegal immigrants.
The goal is to block ghost properties on days of peak demand, when it becomes easier to fill rooms with flash deals posted on Instagram, Facebook, or private chats.
Many of these accommodations lack the SCIA (certified notification of commencement of business activity), the national identification code, and the minimum security requirements. Rooms are advertised on social media profiles or closed groups, with reservations managed via chat and payments strictly in cash. There are no receipts, no guest registration: a system that escapes all control.
The numbers speak for themselves. In Ischia alone, the Carabinieri reported 12 people for failing to disclose the identities of those staying in their properties. Nine private homes were converted into B&Bs without any authorization, illegally and in unfair competition with those who invest in compliance, up-to-date systems, insurance, and taxes.
Behind the "low cost" concept, however, lies a real risk. In an emergency, substandard accommodation can become a trap: nonexistent fire extinguishers, smoke detectors never installed, escape routes unmarked.
How to recognize a legitimate B&B?
Experts recommend some clear signs: an identification code always displayed and listed on listings, the requirement for documents at check-in, the provision of a receipt or invoice, and the presence of a valid SCIA (certified emergency call center) or municipal permit. For safety, fire extinguishers, detectors, and emergency exit signs are essential.
Another clue comes from booking channels: authorized establishments are listed on official portals or municipal and regional directories. If the offer is only available on Instagram or WhatsApp, something isn't right.
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Illegal B&Bs in Naples have been happening for a long time, but recently it seems to have become a bigger problem. Carabinieri checks are very important, but tourists also need more information.