Your host first, then the platform you booked with, and 112 for anything dangerous. Below are the first checks you can make yourself and the official fault numbers for power, water and gas.
In a home that isn't yours, repairs are up to whoever rented it to you.
Call or message whoever gave you the keys: the number is in your booking confirmation or the app's messages. Most hosts have a trusted technician. Don't call a repairman yourself: who pays and who is responsible for any damage has to be agreed with the host.
If you booked on Airbnb or Booking.com, their support can reach the host and, if the place isn't habitable, help you find somewhere else. If you booked direct, send a message too, so there's a record of when you reported the problem.
Strong smell of gas, smoke, sparking wires, water flooding near sockets: get out, don't touch light switches and call 112.
First work out whether it's just your place or the whole street.
If the street lights are on, the problem is inside. Many homes have a 3 kW meter that trips if you run the oven, washing machine, air conditioning or hairdryer together. Switch something off and flip the lever on the meter or the breaker panel back up: ask your host where they are.
It's a fault on the power grid, which in Alberobello is run by e-distribuzione. Free fault line, open 24 hours a day.
Often it's just a matter of waiting or pressing a button, but ask your host first.
An electric water heater can take a couple of hours to heat up again once it's empty: space out your showers. If it stays cold, check the power hasn't tripped. If a boiler shows a red light, don't take anything apart: your host will tell you whether the reset button is enough.
Water is supplied by Acquedotto Pugliese. Free number for faults, leaks and supply cuts. Ask your host too: sometimes it's planned maintenance.
Alberobello's gas network is run by Italgas: its emergency line is free and open 24 hours a day. Open the windows and don't use flames or switches. If the smell is strong, get out and call 112.
Call your host: they almost always have a spare or a neighbour who keeps one. If a child, someone unwell or a lit hob is inside, call 112 straight away.
Pick a place and message the host directly, with no commissions.
Information last checked: November 2026.