This comprehensive guide outlines recent changes to short-term rental and letting regulations in Dublin, Ireland. It provides essential information for Airbnb hosts and property managers to ensure compliance and operate responsibly within the new legal framework.
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Dublin is ushering in a new era for short-term rentals with updates to its regulations, aiming to balance tourism with the city’s pressing housing needs. Whether you're a casual Airbnb host or manage multiple properties, understanding the upcoming changes is essential to remaining compliant and avoiding penalties.
Here’s a snapshot of the latest and upcoming rules:
Regulation Element | Summary |
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Planning Permission | You may rent your entire principal private residence (PPR) for up to 90 nights per year in any Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ), which includes all of Dublin. Beyond that, or for any non-PPR property, you must apply for change-of-use planning permission. |
Definition of Short-Term Let | Any rental of 14 nights or fewer. |
National Register | All short-term lets must be registered with Fáilte Ireland. Listings will require a displayed registration number. |
New Legislation | The Short-Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill 2025 has been approved by Cabinet. The national register is to be enforced by 20 May 2026. |
EU Context | Regulation (EU) 2024/1028 mandates data-sharing between platforms and authorities. Ireland’s new system aligns with these standards. |
This is another row | All short-term lets must be registered with Fáilte Ireland. Listings will require a displayed registration number. |
Dublin has been designated a Rent Pressure Zone since 2016 due to its ongoing housing shortage. Since July 2019, the city has imposed restrictions on commercial short-term rentals to preserve housing stock. The new legislation builds on this framework, reinforcing efforts to keep more properties in the long-term rental market.
Dublin City Council has a dedicated unit to monitor compliance. Hosts who breach rules may face enforcement orders or legal action.
Regulation Aspect | Purpose |
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Planning Permission | Regulate short-term rentals and ensure properties are available for long-term housing. |
National Register | Centralize and monitor short-term rental activities to ensure compliance with regulations. |
EU Regulation 2024/1028 | Enhance transparency by mandating data-sharing between booking platforms and authorities. |
A major update is the introduction of a centralized short-term rental register managed by Fáilte Ireland.
Key Term | Definition |
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Principal Private Residence (PPR) | The main dwelling where you reside for most of the year. |
Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) | Areas where rents are highest and rising quickly, subject to rent caps. |
Short-Term Let | Any rental of 14 nights or fewer. |
Fáilte Ireland | The National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland, responsible for the registration of short-term lets. |
STLT Bill 2025 | The Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill designed to regulate short-term rentals. |
Under the EU’s Regulation 2024/1028, booking platforms are now required to share specific data with national authorities, including host identities and booking records. Ireland's national register will integrate with this EU framework, enhancing transparency and giving local authorities better visibility into occupancy patterns and compliance.
To stay compliant and prepare for upcoming changes:
Keycafe’s MS5 key management system is designed to support hosts in meeting regulatory requirements. It automatically logs each key pickup and return, providing a detailed audit trail. This can help you:
By staying informed and following these steps, Dublin hosts can ensure they meet current obligations and transition smoothly into the new regulatory environment set for 2026.
Written by [Author Name]. Originally published on Keycafe Blog, [Publication Date].
Utilizing vacation rental management software can significantly streamline operations and improve efficiency for short-term rental businesses. By automating routine tasks and centralizing management, property owners can save time and focus on enhancing the guest experience.