Is Airbnb legal in Galway?

Airbnb Regulations in Galway: An Overview

In recent years, Galway City has implemented strict regulations governing short-term rentals, such as those offered through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, primarily to mitigate the pressures on the private housing market and rise in rental costs. Here are key points regarding the local regulations:

Overview of Regulations

• Legislative Background: The regulations stem from the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 and further guidelines from the Planning and Development Act 2000.
• Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs): The new provisions primarily affect properties within designated RPZs, which are areas experiencing significant housing demand. Rentals outside these zones are not subject to the same restrictions.

Short-Term Letting Definitions

1. Short-Term Letting: Defined as renting a property (or part of one) for a period not exceeding 14 days.
2. Homesharing: Renting a room within a person's principal residence remains unrestricted. Homeowners can also rent their entire home for up to 90 days per year while temporarily away without needing additional permissions.

Planning Permissions

• General Requirements: If homeowners intend to exceed the allowed rental periods or have properties that are not their primary residence, they must apply for planning permission from Galway City Council.
• Compliance Rate: As of 2023, only a small fraction (less than 1%) of short-term rental properties in Galway City had secured the necessary permissions, raising concerns about enforcement.

Exemptions from Planning Permission

• Owners can rent out their entire home for short-term stays not exceeding 90 cumulative days in a year while temporarily absent.
• Homesharing is always permitted without requirement for planning permissions, provided the person rents out a room and lives in the property.

Upcoming Enforcement Measures

• Galway's enforcement of short-term rental regulations has been criticized for its laxity, leading to many unregistered rentals operating freely. However, new legislation has been proposed to prohibit platforms from advertising unregistered properties, a move anticipated to strengthen oversight.

Tax Obligations

• Income generated from short-term rentals must be declared for tax purposes, attracting income tax, PRSI, and Universal Social Charge, similar to any rental income in Ireland. Homeowners should keep thorough records of income and expenses related to their rental activities.

Final Considerations

Hosts considering entering the short-term rental market in Galway need to navigate local regulations diligently, ensuring compliance to avoid penalties. As these rules continue to evolve, potential hosts should stay updated with the Galway City Council's announcements and consider seeking legal advice.

For more information, Airbnb hosts or prospective renters can reach out to the Planning Department of Galway City Council at [email protected] or via phone at 091-536599.