Action urged over Airbnb rentals to curb 'professional' landlords

The Government has been urged to impose new bans on properties which are rented out on Airbnb for more than 90 days a year in a bid to stop “professional” landlords from taking advantage of the system.

Fianna Fáil housing spokesman Barry Cowen put forward the new legislation in recent days, saying the issue is contributing to cities’ deepening housing and homelessness crises.

Speaking days after a similar motion was put down by Labour councillors at Dublin City Council, he said Airbnb renters earned an average of €5,000 for every 51 nights they rented out their properties on the website last year.