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It’s a story we’re hearing more often than we’d like in Dublin — families and workers, settled in their homes for years, being given the dreaded notice. The reason? Landlords chasing the quick, fat profits of short-term holiday lets. What was once a home for someone trying to get by is now a flashy Airbnb, a cash cow for landlords who see long-term renters as nothing more than a hurdle to jump.
This isn’t just about rents creeping up; it’s about people being forced out of their communities, their schools, their jobs, all because rental market in Dublin is bleeding out to holidaymakers. And the worst part? The laws that were supposed to protect renters — Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) — aren’t stopping this exodus. Meanwhile, illegal short-term lets flourish with barely a slap on the wrist.
Behind every eviction notice is a story. A family uprooted from the only home they could afford. A worker commuting hours longer because the house near their job is now a holiday let. Kids changing schools mid-year. Communities losing their heart and soul.
Long-term renters are Dublin’s backbone. They keep the city ticking, working in shops, schools, hospitals, and offices. But increasingly, landlords see them as obstacles to bigger paydays from tourists who pay more for a few days than a family pays for a year.
RPZs were supposed to cap rent increases and provide some breathing room for tenants. But when landlords simply evict tenants to turn properties into short-term lets, RPZs offer no protection.
The law’s focus on rent increases misses the bigger picture: the loss of rental homes altogether. And with enforcement patchy at best, landlords continue to cash in on short-term letting schemes, often illegally.
In short, RPZs are a band-aid on a much deeper wound.
It’s no secret that many short-term lets operate under the radar. Dublin City Council’s resources to police illegal holiday lets are stretched thin. And even when illegal lets are flagged, penalties are often minimal — a cost landlords are willing to wear for the profits they reap.
Meanwhile, long-term renters pay the price, losing their homes and having nowhere affordable to go.
If Dublin’s housing crisis is to be tamed, it’s time to act decisively:
Without these steps, Dublin risks losing the very people who make it a vibrant city.
For those still hunting for a place to rent or buy, it’s tough out there. But you’re not alone, and there are tools to help you navigate the madness.
At FindQo.ie, we’re committed to making your property search easier and more transparent. Whether you’re looking for properties to rent in Dublin or browsing properties for sale in Ireland, we understand the challenges you face.
Remember, knowledge is power — and knowing your rights and the market can make all the difference.
Many landlords see higher profits from short-term lets, especially in Dublin’s tourist hotspots, which can pay significantly more than long-term rents.
No, RPZs limit rent increases but do not prevent evictions, especially when landlords want to convert properties to other uses like holiday lets.
No, many operate illegally without proper registration or compliance with regulations, and enforcement is currently weak.
Seek advice from tenant support organisations, know your rights, and consider legal action if the eviction is unfair or unlawful.
FindQo.ie offers a comprehensive, up-to-date portal for properties across Ireland, helping you find long-term homes without the hassle.
The housing market feels like a battlefield right now, but you’re not fighting alone. At FindQo.ie, we’re here to help you find your next home and stay informed about your rights.
Let’s stand together for stronger tenant protections and a Dublin where everyone can afford to live and thrive.
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