Calls for clarity on Airbnb rules as Mayo councillors voice concerns
COUNCILLORS in the Westport/Belmullet district raised concerns over confusion surrounding regulations for Airbnb operators, calling on Mayo county council to provide clear and accessible guidance to homeowners engaging in short-term letting.
Independent Ireland councillor Chris Maxwell said many people operating Airbnbs are being left in the dark about what’s required of them.
“People are confused about the situation,” councilllor Maxwell told June's meeting of the Westport/Belmullet municipal district.
“They don’t know if they’re legal or not. Are they supposed to get planning permission? Do they need an engineer to sign off on a change of use? How much would that cost? No one is feeding them the right information.”
Councillor Maxwell said the uncertainty is placing an unfair burden on homeowners, especially in rural areas where alternative accommodation options are limited.
“In Louisburgh, for example, we have no hotel,” he added.
“These people are providing a vital service. This feels like another form of taxation and hassle for something they have been doing for years.”
Director of Services Joanne Grehan asked whether the councillor’s concerns were focused on existing operators or those seeking to set up new Airbnbs, to which councillor Maxwell replied, “Both. People just want guidelines, plain and simple information.”
Fine Gael councillor Gerry Coyle echoed the sentiment, noting the essential role short-term lets play in areas like Eachléim and Rossport.
“There’s no hotel in either place,” he said. “Some of these people are battling to make a few quid. Long-term renting isn’t suitable for everyone.
The Erris based councillor stated at the meeting that he was once an Airbnb host and there are too many misconceptions out there regarding the regulations involved.
"I myself did Airbnb before my daughter moved into the house."
He added: "This idea that they’re not paying tax is a myth, you can’t even register without a tax number. And they’re regularly inspected for things like fire alarms and safety. They’re doing a service to the community and shouldn’t be targeted unfairly.”
Responding to the concerns, Head of the Wesport/Belmullet municipal district Seamus O’Mongain pointed to existing resources, “It’s there on Citizens Information,” he said, referring to guidance available online.
However, several councillors insisted that more proactive communication is needed from the Council itself, including simplified local leaflets or campaigns in the media.
Since the entire nation came under a RPZ and that it no longer impacts solely the Westport local electoral area there has been increased confusion surrounding the practice of letting out homes for holiday makers.
Information on Mayo county council’s website states that homeowners who let a room or their entire home for short stays must either register or seek planning permission unless the property is already zoned or approved for tourism use.
Two exemptions apply:
Home Sharing: Renting a room in your primary residence while you are also living there. Requires a one-off Form 15.
Principal Private Residence Letting (<90 days/year): Letting your whole home for up to 90 days while you're away. Requires Forms 15, 16 (if the 90-day cap is reached), and 17 (year-end return).
However, those with second homes or investment properties in an RPZ that are not their principal residence must apply for full planning permission to continue letting them short-term.
Letting for periods of 15 days or more, or under specific exemptions such as the rent-a-room scheme or corporate lets, does not fall under the new rules.
Failure to register or comply can result in enforcement under Part VIII of the Planning Acts.
More information can be found here on the Mayo.ie website.