National Register For Airbnb Properties Could Reduce Short-Term Letting
Writes Ciaran Dineen
A national register for short-term property letting, such as Airbnb, could help to prevent breaches of letting agreements and increase the number of properties for long-term renting.
That is according to local-based Senator, Tim Lombard who first brought the issue of short-term letting to the Oireachtas last year, when he realised the extent of the problem in Kinsale, which he felt was exacerbating the ongoing housing crisis.
Recently, Senator Lombard highlighted that questions are yet to be answered on a proposed registration system for short-term property rentals such as Airbnb. He stated that regulations requiring Airbnb operators to register with Fáilte Ireland will be operational in 2023 but much work remains beforehand.
“It is essential the legislation underpinning this new system is comprehensive and frees up badly-need housing in areas of high demand. The availability of Airbnb rentals far outstrips the supply of badly needed long-term rental accommodation throughout the country. This is a matter I have consistently raised in the Oireachtas as there must be proper enforcement of the duration of the booking and planning permissions.”
“Responsibility for developing and delivering the legislation lies with the Department of Tourism and Fáilte Ireland, with input from the Department of Housing and engagement is continuing. However, work remains on its implementation. I received confirmation in the Seanad that the Department of Tourism is currently scoping out the legislative provisions required for the new registration system with a view to it being enacted in the current year. The new Fáilte Ireland short-term letting registration system will be operational from next January.
“While this is welcome, questions remain about what the new regulations on owners will be, will there be new requirements on the time period for lettings, will they have to obtain new planning permission for commercial purposes, and what legal onus will that place on property owners.
Kinsale, as many know, is a popular tourist destination during the summer season, with many properties in the area being made available for short-term letting. In some cases, homes are being taken off the market for long-term renting and switching to short-term letting during the summer period.
Commenting on the situation in Kinsale recently, Senator Lombard said, “This week in Kinsale, a town close to my home, 60 properties are on Airbnb for rent, while just three are on Daft.ie. We must have regulation of this sector or else the letting of these short-term properties will have a detrimental impact on the housing market and in towns in my own constituency.”
The problem is not just limited to Kinsale however, with a significant number of properties available for short stays in the Carrigaline, Crosshaven and Passage West area, at a time when the demand for housing has never been so severe.
Approximately 20 properties were listed in the above areas on Airbnb alone during a search conducted by The Carrigdhoun Newspaper during the last week of June. One property available was charging as much as €788 per night, a sum which would account for about 50% of monthly rent in the area.
Comments