Strict New Rules For Airbnb In Ireland Are “A Step In The Wrong Direction”

Strict new guidelines on planning applications for short terms lettings in Ireland means that using Airbnb could get a whole lot more difficult.

The Irish Times reports that under the law, changing the use of a property (for example short term lets such as under Airbnb), actually requires planning permission.

Under the new rules, anyone applying for a change of use for an apartment must make sure that it's not let out for more than 60 nights in one year, or for more than five consecutive nights.

A maximum of two rooms per apartment can be occupied, with no more than four guests, and no more than 20% of apartments on any floor can be approved.

Airbnb has said that the new guidelines  were “a step in the wrong direction towards one of the most restrictive regimes in Europe on how regular people can use their homes”.

“There is a big difference between occasionally sharing space in your home and running a business,” it added.

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