Legislative Update for Short Term Lettings
From 3rd November 2022, the new Planning and Development, Maritime and Valuation (Amendment) Act 2022 will commence. Its purpose is to supplement existing planning regulations and to introduce further measures to address the lack of properties to rent.
The Act reinforces the powers available to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to combat the diversion of residential properties to short-term letting meaning stays of less than 14 days.
Previous planning regulations introduced in July 2019 require properties used for short term lettings in Rent Pressure Zones to have planning permission for that specific use or in the alternative an explicit exemption from the local authority.
The new Act prohibits the advertising of residential properties without the appropriate planning permission on online platforms. Breaches can result in a fine of up to €5,000 for both the property owner and the online platform itself.
These provisions will apply for an initial 6 month period but can be extended in recurring 6-month periods if the Minister is satisfied that it remains necessary to address the acute shortage in rental accommodation.
