Kildare councillor wants government to regulate short-term renting sites

A councillor from Kildare has said he believes the government should regulate short-term renting sites, such as Airbnb, in order to 'enhance the availability' of rental houses.

The comments were made by Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, who recently chaired an event with other local representatives in Newbridge to discuss the government's handling of the cost-of-living crisis.

Cllr Pender said that the 'unprecedented exodus' of landlords from the rental sector shows that regulation of short-term letting platforms is vital.

Referring to a new draft survey conducted by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), Cllr Pender said: "Today's reports that 43,000 homes have been lost to the rental market in the last five years should serve as a wake-up call to the government."

"Landlords are fleeing the market in droves."

He continued: "The problem is only going to get worse, according to the survey (by the RTB), which found that up to 18 per cent of landlords plan to sell their properties over the next two years."

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender

Cllr Pender also said that, according to another report released by Daft last week, a dwindling supply of homes is forcing up rents to record levels: "The national average rent asked for a home between July, and September was a record 14.1 per cent more than the same period last year.

"The national average monthly rent was €1,688, with asking prices in Kildare of €1,717, a 7 percent rise."

The Newbridge politician added: "By regulating short-term renting sites like Airbnb, the government could immediately enhance the availability of rental houses.

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"There were 35,000 unoccupied residences around the country on the night of the census, many of which were short-term rentals.

"Entire houses and flats that are used for short-term rentals without planning permission should be returned to the long-term rental market."

"In terms of the Government's housing plan, all key metrics — from poor social and affordable housing deliveries to record homelessness — are moving in the wrong direction."

He concluded by saying that the RTB figures from earlier today 'emphasise the importance of practical answers and action above endless spin.'

In related news, Cllr Chris Pender was among the Kildare representatives who were recently interviewed by the Leinster Leader regarding the lack of school places in the county.