Last August 45 tenants were evicted from their homes in an apartment block in Dublin 8 after their landlord said he was going to sell the property. He didn’t. Instead he offered the rooms as short-term hostel-style holiday lets on Airbnb – a bunk bed in a shared room now costs €100, a private room €280 and bookings are being accepted until August.
For landlords, holiday lets are far more lucrative than long-term lets.
One of the former tenants spotted her previous home on Airbnb and reported the situation to Dublin City Council which is taking action. Short-term lets in rent pressure zones must have planning permission under legislation introduced in 2019.
But that legislation is regularly flouted and the Government, with the housing crisis ever-worsening, is attempting to introduce new laws on short-term lets with Fáilte Ireland’s involvement. But the EU has issues with the plan and the law is likely to be delayed.
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Dublin editor Olivia Kelly, who has been reporting on the story, outlines events at the Dublin 8 property, and political reporter Cormac McQuinn explains what the Government is doing to curb short-term lets.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.
