B&B Guest Agreement (Ireland)

A B&B Guest Agreement in Ireland sets out what each party will provide, the consideration involved, and the responsibilities they take on for the arrangement, as regulated by the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003.

Fáilte Ireland, established under the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003, is the national tourism development authority responsible for quality assurance in the Irish accommodation sector. B&B operators registered under Fáilte Ireland's Quality Assurance Framework are assessed against minimum standards covering bedroom size, bathroom facilities, breakfast provision, and guest information. A guest agreement supports operators in meeting these standards by documenting the terms of each booking in writing.

The agreement also assists operators in complying with the Consumer Rights Act 2022, which requires businesses to provide consumers with clear, accurate pre-contractual information about the service being offered, the total price, and any cancellation or refund entitlements. This is particularly important for online bookings, which are subject to additional requirements under the EU Consumer Rights Directive as transposed by SI 484/2013.

From 2026, all operators offering short-term paid accommodation in Ireland will be required to register on the national Short-Term Letting Register under the Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill 2025. Each property will be issued a registration number that must appear on all listings and booking confirmations, making a written guest agreement an essential record-keeping tool.

The legal framework governing the B&B Guest Agreement (Ireland) in Ireland draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under the Companies Act 2014, the Companies Registration Office (CRO) maintains the register of Irish companies. Section 343 of the Companies Act 2014 sets annual confirmation obligations. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2022. The Central Bank of Ireland regulates financial services under the Central Bank Act 1971. The High Court of Ireland has jurisdiction under Section 212 of the Companies Act 2014. Parties executing a B&B Guest Agreement (Ireland) in Ireland should confirm the document reflects current Irish law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Companies Act 2014 sets the foundational requirements, while secondary legislation and statutory instruments may impose additional obligations depending on the specific circumstances of the transaction. Under Section 67 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 and the Registration of Title Act 1964, property-related elements must comply with the Property Registration Authority (PRA) requirements. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2022 in consumer-facing transactions. The Companies Act 2014, Section 169, and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 impose non-discrimination obligations on all commercial agreements executed in Ireland.

A B&B guest agreement is needed for every paid booking to protect both the operator and the guest in the event of a dispute over rates, cancellations, or property damage. Without a written agreement, it can be difficult to enforce cancellation charges or recover the cost of damage caused by guests.

The agreement is particularly important during peak tourist seasons, such as summer and major events, when last-minute cancellations can leave the B&B with unoccupied rooms that cannot be re-let on short notice. A clearly worded cancellation policy helps operators to manage revenue risk during these periods.

An agreement is also essential when guests book through third-party platforms such as Booking.com or Airbnb, as the platform's own terms may differ from the operator's policies. Having a separate guest agreement confirms that the operator's specific house rules — such as check-in times, quiet hours, and smoking policy — are communicated to guests regardless of the platform used to make the booking.

For B&Bs that accept group bookings or business travellers, a written agreement provides a clear record of the services agreed, which can be used for invoicing and tax purposes. Under the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, B&B operators are required to keep accurate records of income received, and a written agreement supports compliance with these obligations.

Parties in Ireland should prepare a B&B Guest Agreement (Ireland) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Irish courts, including the District Court, Circuit Court, and High Court of Ireland, interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. Under the Companies Act 2014, the Companies Registration Office (CRO) maintains the register of Irish companies. Section 343 of the Companies Act 2014 sets annual confirmation obligations. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2022. The Central Bank of Ireland regulates financial services under the Central Bank Act 1971. The High Court of Ireland has jurisdiction under Section 212 of the Companies Act 2014. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority — such as the Central Bank of Ireland, Companies Registration Office (CRO), or Data Protection Commission (DPC) — may be required before execution. Consulting a qualified Irish solicitor confirms all regulatory steps are completed in the correct order.

A B&B guest agreement for use in Ireland should include the following key elements:

**Parties and Property Details:** Full name and address of the B&B operator and the guest, together with the property address and Fáilte Ireland registration number (where applicable). From 2026, the Short-Term Letting Register number should also be included.

**Booking Details:** Dates of arrival and departure, number of guests, room type, and rate per night. Any special requirements agreed, such as dietary needs for breakfast or accessible room allocation, should be noted.

**Payment Terms:** The total price, deposit amount required at the time of booking, and balance due on arrival or departure. The agreement should specify accepted payment methods and whether prices include VAT at the standard rate applicable to accommodation services.

**Cancellation Policy:** The period within which cancellations must be made for a full or partial refund, the non-refundable deposit terms, and the policy for no-shows. This section should comply with the Consumer Rights Act 2022 and the EU Consumer Rights Regulations 2013.

**House Rules:** Check-in and check-out times, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, and any restrictions on the number of visitors to the room. Rules on noise, parking, and shared facilities should also be included.

**Damage and Liability:** A clause confirming that guests are liable for damage to the property caused during their stay, and the operator's liability for loss or damage to guests' personal belongings, which may be limited under the Hotel Proprietors Act 1963.

**Fire Safety Information:** Emergency contact numbers, fire exit locations, and fire safety procedures, as required under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003. The forms-legal.com B&B Guest Agreement (Ireland) template covers the mandatory elements under Companies Act 2014.

Additional compliance elements for a B&B Guest Agreement (Ireland) used in Ireland include: Data Protection — the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR Article 6 require a lawful basis for processing personal data; Governing Law — specify Irish law and the jurisdiction of Irish courts; Dispute Resolution — parties may refer disputes to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for employment matters or initiate proceedings in the Circuit Court or High Court of Ireland for civil claims. Under the Companies Act 2014, the Companies Registration Office (CRO) maintains the register of Irish companies. Section 343 of the Companies Act 2014 sets annual confirmation obligations. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2022. The Central Bank of Ireland regulates financial services under the Central Bank Act 1971. The High Court of Ireland has jurisdiction under Section 212 of the Companies Act 2014. Revenue Commissioners require appropriate tax treatment of payments made under the agreement, including VAT under the Value-Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010 where applicable.