Is short-term letting legal in Limerick in 2025?

Yes — within the planning regime that started 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 away). Since 20 June 2025, all of Ireland is an RPZ, so these controls apply throughout Limerick.

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

• 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 a material change of use and generally requires planning permission (unless the dwelling already has planning for tourism/short-stay use).

The notification forms (Limerick)

Limerick City & County Council provides the statutory forms and local timing. Download one-click: [Form 15 – Start of year], [Form 16 – 90-day threshold], [Form 17 – End-of-year return]. Keep email/postal receipts.

• Form 15 — Start-of-Year Notification: return within 4 weeks of the start of the year and at least 2 weeks before your first short-let.
• Form 16 — 90-Day Threshold: submit within 2 weeks of reaching 90 days.
• Form 17 — End-of-Year Return: no later than 4 weeks after year-end. Citizens Information also describes an “1–28 January” filing window nationally — follow the council’s instruction at filing time.

When is planning permission required?

• Non-PPR (second home/investment) used for short-lets → planning permission for change of use.
• PPR >90 nights/year (entire home while away) → planning permission required.

Legal basis: Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 (s.3A inserted by s.38: short-lets in RPZs = material change of use) and Planning & Development (Amendment) Regulations 2019 – S.I. 235/2019 (exemptions/notifications framework).

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

Ireland is introducing a national STL register operated by Fáilte Ireland. Annual registration will be required and a registration number must be displayed on all listings/ads. Government guidance targets May 2026 for commencement (EU-aligned date). Track Fáilte Ireland’s STLR page and FAQs for go-live.

If you want a simple options framework to plan early, including short lets versus mid-lets, read what to do next before May 2026.

Fire & safety basics (applies to short-lets)

Short-lets must still meet the minimum standards for rented houses under S.I. 137/2019: a fire detection & alarm system, a fire blanket, and (for multi-unit buildings) emergency lighting in common areas; CO alarms where necessary. Limerick’s inspections page links the standards and guide used locally.

Stay compliant in Limerick (step-by-step)

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 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 route): form 15 (within 4 weeks of the year and 2 weeks before first let); Form 16 (within 2 weeks of hitting 90 nights); Form 17 (within 4 weeks of year-end / national guidance: 1–28 January). Keep copies.
4. Non-PPR or >90 nights? Apply for planning permission (change of use). Expect strict assessment in RPZs.
5. Track nights & records: maintain a bookings log and retain proof of submissions for inspections or planning queries (see council FAQs).
6. Safety check: verify fire alarm, fire blanket, CO alarms where needed, and emergency lighting (for multi-unit buildings).
7. Look ahead to 2026: be ready to register with Fáilte Ireland and display your registration number on listings once the register commences.

Note: Some council materials still mention "outside RPZs", but since 20 June 2025, all of Ireland is RPZ-designated, so that exemption is largely moot.

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