Government approval for strengthened regulatory controls on the short-term letting of non-principal private residences in rent pressure zones was welcomed by Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The new controls are expected to see more homes returning to the long-term rental market in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) where rents are highest and where households have the greatest difficulty finding affordable accommodation.
If enacted, the amendment will mean that from 1 September 2022 online platforms will not be able to advertise properties in RPZs which do not have the requisite planning permission. Non-compliance with these provisions will be an offence for both the individual property owners concerned and the online platforms.
Currently under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 a person must apply to their local authority for planning permission to change the use of the property, so it can be used for tourism and short-term letting purposes. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 planning authorities can take legal action if a property does not have the required permission.
“Government is acutely aware of the pressures on the rental market at present, and we expect that these new and significant controls will help to ease that pressure,” the Minister said.