Is short-term letting legal in Cork in 2025?

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Yes — subject to the planning rules that took effect 1 July 2019. In RPZs, using a dwelling for short-term letting (stays ≤14 nights) is a material change of use unless a PPR exemption applies (unlimited room-only homeshare; entire PPR up to 90 nights/year while you’re temporarily away). From 20 June 2025, all of Ireland is an RPZ, so these controls apply across Cork city and county.

Key rules: ≤14 nights = short-term; PPR 90-night cap

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• Definition — Short-term letting means any period not exceeding 14 days.
• PPR allowance — You may let your entire PPR up to 90 nights per year while temporarily away. Room-only homeshare in your PPR is not night-capped.
• Over the cap / non-PPR — Using a non-PPR for short-lets, or exceeding 90 nights in your PPR, is treated as a material change of use and generally requires planning permission (unless the property already has planning for tourism/short-stay use).

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The notification forms (Cork)

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Cork City Council provides the statutory notifications and local timing:

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• Form 15 — Start-of-Year Notification: return within 4 weeks of the start of each year and at least 2 weeks before your first short-let.
• Form 16 — 90-Day Threshold: file within 2 weeks of reaching 90 days.
• Form 17 — End-of-Year Return: no later than 4 weeks after year-end (Cork City wording). National guidance also describes an “1–28 January” filing window — mirror whichever applies when you file.

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Direct downloads (Cork City): [Form 15], [Form 16], [Form 17]. Keep email/postal receipts.

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When is planning permission required?

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• Non-PPR (second home/investment) used for short-lets → planning permission for change of use.
• PPR >90 nights/year (entire dwelling while away) → planning permission required.
  Legal basis: Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 (commenced 1 July 2019) and S.I. No. 235/2019 (planning regulations & exemptions).

Coming change: national Short-Term Letting Register (STLR)

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A national online STL register operated by Fáilte Ireland will require annual registration and a registration number to be displayed on listings/ads (once commenced). Government guidance sets the target start around May 2026 (EU-aligned timeline). Monitor Fáilte Ireland’s STLR pages for commencement and how to register.

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Fire & safety basics for Cork lets

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Short-lets must still meet the minimum standards for rented houses under S.I. 137/2019. Headline items include a fire detection & alarm system, a fire blanket, and (for multi-unit buildings) emergency lighting in common areas; CO alarms where necessary. Cork City Fire Brigade also recommends weekly testing and periodic maintenance of smoke alarms.

Mini How-To: Stay compliant in Cork (step-by-step)

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1. Confirm property status — Is it your PPR? If yes, you may short-let the entire home up to 90 nights/year while away; room-only homeshare is not night-capped.
2. Check the definition — Ensure bookings are 14 nights or less to fall under the short-let regime.
3. File the forms (PPR) — Form 15 (within 4 weeks of the year and 2 weeks before your first let); Form 16 (within 2 weeks of hitting 90 nights); Form 17 (file within 4 weeks of year-end; councils may present this as 1–28 January). Keep copies.
4. Non-PPR or >90 nights? — Apply for planning permission (change of use). Expect strict assessment in RPZs.
5. Prove it’s your PPR — Keep documentary evidence (e.g., recent utility bills); Cork City notes this as acceptable PPR proof.
6. Track nights & records — Maintain a bookings log + proof of submissions for inspections/planning queries. (Cork provides complaint/enforcement routes under planning.)
7. Safety check — Verify fire alarm, fire blanket, CO alarms where necessary, and emergency lighting for common areas in multi-unit buildings; test alarms weekly.
8. Look ahead to 2026 — Prepare to register with Fáilte Ireland and display your STLR number when the register commences.

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Visitor-levy note: No Cork tourist/bed tax is in force as of Sept 2025. Dublin’s councils are lobbying for a national enabling law to permit local levies; any Cork scheme would similarly require legislation.

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FAQs

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1) What is a short-term let in Cork?
A letting of 14 nights or less.

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2) How many days can I short-let my PPR?
Up to 90 nights per calendar year for the entire dwelling while you’re away; room-only homeshare isn’t night-capped.

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3) Do I need to notify the council? Which forms?
Yes, if using the PPR route: Form 15 (within 4 weeks of the year and 2 weeks before your first short-let), Form 16 (within 2 weeks of reaching 90 nights), Form 17 (within 4 weeks of year-end / 1–28 January per national guidance).

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4) When is planning permission required?
For non-PPR short-lets and for PPRs over 90 nights—it’s a material change of use in RPZs unless exempt.

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5) Are all areas in Cork under RPZ rules now?
Yes. Since 20 June 2025, all of Ireland is an RPZ.

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6) Is there a tourist/bed tax in Cork?
No—not currently. A levy would need national enabling legislation first.

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7) What national changes are coming?
A Fáilte Ireland Short-Term Letting Register is planned; a registration number will be required on listings/ads once commenced (target May 2026, subject to legislation).

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8) What safety rules apply?
Rented dwellings require fire detection & alarm, a fire blanket, and (in multi-unit buildings) emergency lighting in common areas; CO alarms where necessary. Cork City Fire Brigade advises weekly testing.

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Not Advice: This guide highlights key points for short-term letting and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change — always check the relevant authority’s website for your property and seek professional advice if unsure.