Tánaiste says Airbnb not being forced out as Government plans new short-term let regulations

Government to introduce new laws limiting tourist rentals in towns over 10,000 people amid Ireland’s housing crisis

The plans would effectively prevent individuals who are short-term letting properties on a full-time basis from operating in large towns and cities

The Government is not trying to force Airbnb from the country, the Tánaiste has said, amid plans for a significant crackdown on the long-term tourist rental of houses in large towns and cities.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said Ireland is in a “housing emergency” and that all steps must be taken to resolve this, including regulation of short-term lets like Airbnb.

The Irish Examiner first reported the Government was preparing new regulations to prevent homeowners from renting out properties for more than 90 days a year if they live in an area with a population greater than 10,000.

Senior Government sources confirmed they intend to bring forward new legislation in the coming weeks to introduce stringent regulations on short-term lets.

The plans would effectively prevent individuals who are short-term letting properties on a full-time basis from operating in large towns and cities.

Asked about the plans, Mr Harris said that it was not the Government’s intention to force companies like Airbnb from the State.

“There’s a place for Airbnb. There’s a place for short-term lets, but it does need to have some sort of regulatory structure and clarity in relation to it,” Mr Harris said.

“If you’re in a housing emergency, and we are, it’s about time people start acting like its an emergency and that means looking at all the options that are available to us and taking steps.” 

The Tánaiste said that there is “always” a place for short-term lets in the tourism sector, saying that it plays an important role.

“But there also has to be a bit of clarity here, in terms of are you a short term let or are you something that could be available for a family or a couple who desperately need accommodation to rent,” Mr Harris said.

“So this is about getting a balanced and proportionate response and I think the most important thing we should do as a Government now is bring forward the proposals.” Mr Harris said that he has asked enterprise minister Peter Burke to lead the legislation to regulate short-term lets.

On timelines, Mr Harris said he hoped the legislation would be advanced this year and could be in place for 2026.

The new proposals were agreed to be advanced at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Housing earlier this week.

The new laws will require any household renting out their property as a short-term let for more than 21 days a year to register with Fáilte Ireland.

Individuals who are letting properties out on a short-term basis will be required to have a valid registration number, with Fáilte Ireland expected to monitor websites like Airbnb and Booking.com to ensure compliance.

The Government has previously estimated that as many as 10,000 properties currently used as short-term lets could be converted into long-term accommodation.

Fáilte Ireland believes that, across the country, there are approximately 32,000 properties used as short-term lets.