The Government has approved plans to tighten controls on short-term rentals of properties in certain areas.

The changes are aimed at returning more homes to the long-term rental market in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs), designated areas where rent rises are limited by rates of general inflation.

They are provided for in the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill that is currently going through the Oireachtas.

The amendment, if enacted, would mean that, from 1 September, online platforms would not be able to advertise properties in RPZs that did not have the required planning permission.

Six-month period

Non-compliance with these provisions will be an offence for both the individual poperty 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.

Darragh O’Brien (Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, pictured) said that the proposed controls would be in place an initial six-month period, during which the Department of Tourism and Fáilte Ireland will set up a new registration system for short-term rentals.