New rules exempting modular homes in back gardens from planning permission, which came into effect today, risk leaving thousands of vulnerable renters open to exploitation and insecure tenancy arrangements, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne.
Deputy Hearne said:
“These new regulations, which were pushed through the Oireachtas by the Government before summer recess, are so problematic that it’s difficult to know where to start.
“Despite what the Minister would have us believe, hiding a generation in back gardens is not a solution to our housing crisis. The Government’s beds in sheds approach will simply allow unscrupulous landlords to build back garden Airbnbs or substandard rental pods.
“One of the most serious flaws with these new rules is that anyone renting a back garden modular unit will be subject to a licence arrangement as opposed to a tenancy agreement, similar to the Rent A Room Relief scheme. This will put them outside the scope of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and deny them the normal protections afforded to renters.
“It will potentially leave thousands of vulnerable families and individuals open to exploitation, runaway rent increases, poor living conditions and insecure tenancies.
“The minister has a responsibility to ensure that rental accommodation is of a certain standard, affordability and quality – and that there are sufficient safeguards in place for tenants. However, this is anything but the case with these new rules.
“Now that the planning exemptions are in force, the Government must be put under pressure to abandon the proposed licensing arrangement before the tax treatment of renting out modular homes is finalised in October’s budget.”
July 27, 2026