LANDLORD FIRMS ARE FINED OVER RENTALS ON AIRBNB
Flats let out with no authorisation
LANDLORD Marc Godart has avoided prosecution for “egregious” breaches of planning laws with unauthorised Airbnb lettings in Dublin.
It follows two firms Mr Godart directs accepting responsibility and having to pay €7,500 in fines and “substantial” legal costs.
Dublin City Council had initiated proceedings against the Luxembourg national, who has significant property holdings in Ireland.
He is a director of Green Label Property Investments Ltd and a secretary of Capel Grand Inn Ltd, both listed as defendants.
His mother, Denise Godart, had faced three related charges as a Green Label Property Investments Ltd director.
Initially, Mr Godart had faced six, Green Label Property Investments Ltd had five, and Capel Grand Inn Ltd had a single counts. The offences were under section 151 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2003.
Conviction can result in fines €5,000 per charge, and a convicted person can face a sentence of up to six months.
The case stemmed from complaints about unauthorised short-term lettings, booked through the Airbnb website, at three properties in Dublin 1: 11 Capel Street; Block G, The Foundry, Beaver Street; and Unit 2A, The Forge, Railway Street.
The offences were detected following inspections between June 4 and 6 last year, revealing some of the bedrooms were windowless and others in former shop fronts, among other issues.
The Godarts were not present for the hearing or required to attend.
The two firms had no prior convictions and, in mitigation pleas, counsel said the defendants agreed to pay “not unsubstantial” costs.
Judge O’connell noted the mitigating factors and imposed fines totalling €7,500, which, along with the legal costs, must be discharged within four months.