Holiday Let Agreement (Ireland)
Short-Term Holiday Rental Agreement — Exempt from Residential Tenancies Act 2004
HOLIDAY LET AGREEMENT
This Holiday Let Agreement (the "Agreement") is made on [Agreement Date] between [Owner Name], of [Owner Address] (email: [Owner Email]) (the "Owner"), and [Guest Name], of [Guest Address] (email: [Guest Email]) (the "Guest").
NOTICE: This Agreement is for a holiday let only. It is not a tenancy agreement. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 does not apply to this letting, which is exempt under Schedule 1 to that Act. The Guest has no security of tenure and no right to refer a dispute to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
1. PROPERTY
The Owner agrees to let to the Guest the following holiday property (the "Property"): [Property Address].
Description: [Property Description]
Maximum occupants: [Max Occupants]. Pets: [Pets Allowed]. Smoking: [Smoking Allowed].
2. RENTAL PERIOD
Arrival: [Arrival Date] from [Check In Time]. Departure: [Departure Date] by [Check Out Time]. The Guest agrees to vacate the Property by the checkout time on the departure date.
3. RENTAL PRICE AND PAYMENT
Total rental price: EUR [Rental Price] for the full rental period.
Security deposit: EUR [Deposit Amount], payable by [Deposit Due Date]. The deposit is refundable within 7 days of departure, subject to the property being left in the condition specified in this Agreement and the house rules being observed.
Balance of rental price: EUR ([Rental Price] less deposit paid), due by [Balance Due Date]. Failure to pay by the balance due date may result in the booking being cancelled and the deposit forfeited.
4. GUEST'S OBLIGATIONS
The Guest agrees to: (a) use the Property for holiday purposes only and not for any commercial or business activity; (b) not exceed the maximum occupancy of [Max Occupants] persons; (c) comply with the house rules set out below; (d) leave the Property in a clean and tidy condition on departure; (e) report any damage, breakage, or malfunction to the Owner immediately; (f) not sublet or assign the Property or any part of it.
5. HOUSE RULES
[House Rules]
6. CANCELLATION
[Cancellation Policy]
7. LIABILITY
The Owner accepts no responsibility for personal injury, loss, or damage to the Guest's property at or near the Property, unless caused by the Owner's negligence. The Guest is responsible for the safety and supervision of children in their party at all times. Guests are encouraged to arrange appropriate travel insurance.
8. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement is governed by the laws of Ireland. Any dispute shall be referred to the Irish courts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement.
Owner
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Guest
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Holiday Let Agreement (Ireland)?
A Holiday Let Agreement in Ireland sets the rent, deposit, fixed term, repairing obligations, and notice requirements for a residential let, as regulated by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
The legal framework governing the Holiday Let Agreement (Ireland) in Ireland draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 as amended by the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019, the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) registers all tenancies and adjudicates disputes. Section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets landlord obligations. The Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, Section 51, governs property transfers. The Property Registration Authority (PRA) maintains the Land Registry under the Registration of Title Act 1964. Parties executing a Holiday Let Agreement (Ireland) in Ireland should confirm the document reflects current Irish law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets the foundational requirements, while secondary legislation and statutory instruments may impose additional obligations depending on the specific circumstances of the transaction.
When Do You Need a Holiday Let Agreement (Ireland)?
A Holiday Let Agreement is needed whenever parties in Ireland wish to formalize their arrangement regarding real estate transactions, property management, and tenancy arrangements. There are numerous situations in which this document becomes essential for protecting the interests of all involved parties. In real estate, a Holiday Let Agreement is essential when entering into property transactions, establishing new tenancy arrangements, managing existing properties, or dealing with property-related disputes. Property transactions in Ireland are subject to specific legal requirements that must be carefully observed. You should also consider using a Holiday Let Agreement when there has been a change in circumstances that affects an existing arrangement, when you need to comply with new regulatory requirements, when you wish to update outdated documentation, or when professional advisors recommend formalizing certain aspects of your affairs. In Ireland, maintaining current and accurate legal documentation is considered established standards and can help prevent costly disputes. It is generally advisable to prepare a Holiday Let Agreement before any issues arise, rather than trying to document terms after a dispute has already begun. Proactive documentation provides clarity and reduces the potential for misunderstandings. If you are unsure whether you need this document for your specific situation in Ireland, consulting with a qualified legal professional can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances. The timing of executing a Holiday Let Agreement is also important. In Ireland, certain documents must be executed before specific actions are taken or within prescribed time periods to be effective. Delaying the preparation of necessary legal documents can result in complications, lost rights, or additional costs. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare this document as early as possible once the need has been identified.
What to Include in Your Holiday Let Agreement (Ireland)
A well-drafted Holiday Let Agreement for use in Ireland should contain several essential elements to confirm it is legally effective and provides adequate protection for all parties. Party Identification: The document should clearly identify all parties involved, including their full legal names, addresses, and relevant identification numbers. For individuals in Ireland, this may include identity card or passport numbers. For companies, registration numbers and registered addresses should be specified. Clear identification prevents disputes about who is bound by the agreement. Recitals and Background: The document should include background information explaining the context and purpose of the arrangement. This helps establish the parties' intentions and can be important in interpreting the terms of the document if any ambiguity arises later. The recitals section provides valuable context for the operative provisions that follow. Operative Terms: The core terms and conditions should be set out clearly and thoroughly. This includes the rights and obligations of each party, any conditions or prerequisites, the duration of the arrangement, and any limitations or restrictions. All key terms should be defined precisely to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. Payment and Financial Terms: Where applicable, the document should specify any payments, fees, deposits, or other financial considerations. The amounts, currency (EUR), payment schedules, and methods of payment should be clearly stated. Any provisions for late payment, interest charges, or adjustments should also be included. Term and Termination: The document should specify its duration, including the start date, end date or conditions for expiry, and any provisions for renewal or extension. The circumstances under which either party may terminate the arrangement early should be clearly defined, along with any notice requirements and the consequences of termination. Dispute Resolution: The document should include provisions for resolving any disputes that may arise, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. In Ireland, parties may choose to specify the jurisdiction of Irish courts and the applicable law. Including a clear dispute resolution mechanism can save significant time and expense if disagreements occur. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: The document should specify that it is governed by the laws of Ireland and that disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Irish courts. This is particularly important in cross-border transactions or where parties are based in different jurisdictions. Signatures and Execution: The document must be properly signed by all parties or their authorised representatives. In Ireland, certain documents may need to be witnessed, notarised, or executed as deeds to be legally effective. The date of execution should be clearly recorded, and each party should retain an original signed copy for their records. The forms-legal.com Holiday Let Agreement (Ireland) template covers the mandatory elements under Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Holiday Let Agreement (Ireland) (Ireland) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/ireland/real-estate/leases/holiday-let-agreement-ireland
"Holiday Let Agreement (Ireland) (Ireland)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/ireland/real-estate/leases/holiday-let-agreement-ireland.
@misc{formslegal-holiday-let-agreement-ireland,
author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Holiday Let Agreement (Ireland) (Ireland)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/ireland/real-estate/leases/holiday-let-agreement-ireland}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Residential Tenancies Act 2004}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
No — a genuine holiday let is specifically excluded from the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (RTA). Schedule 1 to the RTA exempts dwellings let for holiday purposes only, provided the letting is for a period not exceeding 14 consecutive days (or, under the Planning and Development (Short-Term Lettings) Regulations, up to 21 days). Because the RTA does not apply, the tenant under a holiday let has no security of tenure, no right to a rent review procedure, and no right to refer a dispute to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The holiday let is governed entirely by the written agreement between the parties and the general law of contract. Owners should require that their property is genuinely let for holiday purposes — if the same occupant occupies the property continuously for more than the exempted period, the RTA may apply and the occupant may acquire tenant rights.
Since 1 June 2019, significant restrictions apply to short-term letting of residential properties in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) under Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016. In an RPZ, a property that was previously used as a long-term rental cannot be converted to short-term letting (platforms such as Airbnb) without planning permission. An owner who lets their principal private residence (where they live themselves) for up to 90 nights per year does not require planning permission. From 2023, owners of entire-home short-term lets must register with Fáilte Ireland under the Tourist Traffic Acts. Local authorities enforce short-term letting regulations and can issue enforcement notices. The fine for non-compliance is up to €5,000 under the Planning and Development Act. Owners should check current RPZ status and Fáilte Ireland registration requirements before listing their property.
A well-drafted Irish holiday let agreement should include: the names and addresses of the owner and the holidaymaker; a precise description of the property and its location (including Eircode); the dates of arrival and departure; the rental price and payment terms (including deposit amount, balance due date, and accepted payment methods); the maximum number of occupants; house rules (including rules about noise, smoking, pets, parking, and use of outdoor areas); an inventory of contents; the condition of the property at the start of the let; the procedures for reporting damage; the security deposit amount and conditions for its return; cancellation policy (including force majeure); check-in and check-out times; and any restrictions on the property's use. For properties in tourist areas, the agreement should also address any local authority or planning conditions that apply to the use of the property as a holiday let.
Income from holiday letting in Ireland is chargeable to income tax (for individuals) or corporation tax (for companies) under Schedule D, Case IV of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Unlike long-term residential rental income (which is taxed under Case V), holiday letting income is treated as trading income if the letting is carried on in a sufficiently systematic and commercial manner. Allowable deductions include mortgage interest (subject to restriction rules), insurance, cleaning and laundry, advertising, platform fees, repairs and maintenance, and utilities paid by the owner. Capital allowances may be available for fixtures and fittings. The owner must register for income tax, file an annual Form 11 return by 31 October (or mid-November via ROS), and pay preliminary tax. Short-term letting through online platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com) triggers reporting obligations for the platforms under EU DAC7 rules from 2023. VAT registration may be required where annual turnover exceeds the VAT registration threshold (€37,500 for services in 2024).
A Holiday Let Agreement (Ireland) does not legally require a lawyer in Ireland, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 does not mandate legal representation for the creation or signing of this type of document. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified Ireland lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The High Court of Ireland has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Companies Registration Office (CRO) may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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