The Government has approved plans to tighten controls on short-term rentals of properties in certain areas. The changes are aimed at returning more homes to the long-term rental market in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs), designated areas where rent rises are limited by rates of general inflation.
They are provided for in the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill (click to view) that is currently going through the Oireachtas. The amendment, if enacted, would mean that, from 1 September, letting websites would not be able to advertise properties in RPZs that did not have the required planning permission.
The proposed legislation would make non-compliance an offence for both the property owners and the letting websites who advertise the property.
Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, said that the proposed controls would be in place for an initial six-month period, during which the Department of Tourism and Fáilte Ireland will set up a new registration system for short-term rentals.