Safety of Airbnb in Florence Italy

Small sample size, but we've used AirBNB twice in Florence with no issues at all.

The only place I stay anymore is Airbnb's. If they have good reviews I would not give it a second thought. I usually take a cab to the Airbnb and have the driver call and tell them I have arrived, simple and such a good value for your money. Get up have coffee, then get dress and head out for your day. I won't go back to hotels. j

Hi,
I/we have rented Airbnb and VRBO apartments and prior to those, from Homelidays, which morphed into VRBO; in Italy since 2003.
I'm counting up how many in Florence...I think it is 9, with another one there this coming September.
No problems, no scams, no security issues, always lovely hosts.
That has been my experience.

Just look for listings with the most reviews and the most photographs of the actual rooms, not photos of lamps or art on the walls.
Also look for the hosts to be classed as "superhosts".
You can also rent apartments through booking.com, which I have also done.

Airbnb's company rules are the same globally. I use Airbnb almost exclusively in Europe, and I have always had positive sometimes incredible places for an affordable cost.
However I always read every single review and look for sometimes subtle clues for negative issues.

I'll echo what everyone else has said - we almost exclusively use Airbnbs in Europe. As a family of three, with a young child, we love the extra space rental apartments provide, not to mention the ability to cook some meals and do laundry. We've rented several different apartments, in Florence and throughout Italy, with no problems. Looks for places from Airbnb designated "superhosts" and read all the reviews. Make sure to filter for things that are important to you, and be prepared for stair unless it specifically says otherwise. If you need to store your luggage before or after check-in, most hosts will accommodate you - just ask. Have a great trip!

Thank you so much for all your feedback! It is extremely helpful! And, encouraging! :)

We use airbnb almost exclusively when we travel. Five weeks in France and Spain-great. Six weeks in Eastern Europe with only two events-both hosts cancelled our reservation, so I would pay particular attention to that in the reviews. In both cases we found alternate accommodations through airbnb, but it was last minute. Otherwise, all great.
We also use booking.com, but not often.
I agree that reading the reviews looking for hints as to problems is good as even in great reviews there may be a common thread as to a concern. I try to go with a rating of 4.80 or above, but sometimes the lower star ratings revolve around location or another criteria that isn’t as important to us as it might be to others. I especially pay attention to the cleanliness rating or if the rating is low from very few visitors.
It is well worth your time to really peruse the photos-are there windows or ambient lighting only? What size is the shower/tub area? Is there a couch or is it limited seating on a couple of chairs? Does it look as if someone actually lives there and might be renting it on the side-usually a red flag for me.
Overall though, I think airbnb is great. Our upcoming 2.5 month trip is booked through them, with two accommodations through booking.com due to location.
Good luck and enjoy!

I wouldn't worry about fraud at all unless you are looking at places with 3 or fewer reviews and no inside photos.

I would search the reviews for mentions of the check in process or response times for any issues. If people can't check in, they feel defrauded, even if it's not intentional. Same if the plumbing or other has issues and you can't get a response. Airbnbs are almost always rated above 4. I'd be extremely cautious with anything below that and would examine ratings right up to 4.99 to see what exactly the minor issues were.

ETA: I always google street view. Even if it doesn't give the address, I zoom in on the map in the airbnb listing, then find the same spot on google maps and "walk" around the block and also put in directions from the airbnb to anywhere I want to go to make sure it's not overly complicated.

Does it look as if someone actually lives there and might be renting it on the side-usually a red flag for me.

Wow, that gives the lie to the fiction that AirBnb allows locals to afford their own homes. Non-resident short-term rentals are harmful to the local housing market and to local residents. They are widely banned or heavily regulated by savvy governments. Units can make more money as investments for those with the capital to take them out of the local housing market.

How'd you like to find a short term rental on your own suburban block?

We have stayed in two different AirBnb on two trips to Florence and both great. You do need to do all your due diligence by making sure they have plenty of review (I will not rent any place with less than 50 reviews) reading a good sample and using google translate if needed. I always felt safe, the locks on the doors are insane!

Try to find out if it's a virtual hotel room that has pi**ed off everyone else in the building

Does it look as if someone actually lives there and might be renting it on the side-usually a red flag for me.

I mentioned this because I have spent many hours looking at options and there are those that have lots of jackets and shoes in the photos as well as those that look like the kitchens are more stocked than most. Often those are the same that have any number of toiletries in the showers too.
That to me means it is someone’s actual home and personally, I’m not comfortable renting it. Seems the chance of a cancellation is higher too. If that scenario is okay with a potential client, I see nothing wrong with the offering. It just isn’t for us as we have had that experience and it was a bit uncomfortable.

While no direct experience in Florence, I can say that my trip last fall utilized AirBnB's half the time. No issues whatsoever. My trip this coming fall is using nothing but AirBnB properties in 6 different locations over 5 weeks. I have no concern over theft. At least, no more than having it occur at my own home.

Wow, thank you all once again, for taking the time to provide your insights! I see many of you have also have trips coming up, so safe travels to all of you as well! :)