In a move that many have demanded from the government for years, Ireland is finally taking a step forward to place restrictions on landlords renting their homes out temporarily on Airbnb. Irish homes being rented out on Airbnb have been said to have contributed to the ongoing housing crisis, which has seen prices rise by just over 8% so far this year, according to the Central Statistics Office. Under the new regulations, owners will not be allowed to rent out their homes for more than three months a year with holiday-goers not being let stay for longer than 14 days at a time.
If you are renting out a room in your home, the same restrictions apply, however, you will not be required to apply for planning permission. Only those who own a second property will need to contact their local council in order to get permission to rent out the home. This change is being implemented by the Irish government to encourage landlords to rent out their homes to people in Ireland instead of tourists, which is expected to help curtail rising rental prices.
These proposals come from the Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy and are expected to come into play from summer next year. It will also be made difficult for second properties to gain permission to be rented out in population dense areas. These proposals still need to be approved by opposition parties, though Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin are expected to support these plans. These plans should be passed through the Dáil and Seanad by the end of this year.
“Essentially, the reforms will introduce a ‘one host, one home’ model in areas where there is high housing demand,” Mr. Murphy said to The Irish Times. “Homesharing will continue to be permissible where it is a person’s primary residence, and people will have to now register with their local authority as such.”
Via: The Irish Times
