Short-term letting in Belfast

Belfast has become a city-break destination in its own right. Visitors come for Titanic Belfast and the Titanic Quarter, the Cathedral Quarter's pubs and music, the murals and political history, concerts and sport, and as a base for day trips to the Causeway Coast. Weekend leisure demand is complemented by business travel, conferences and visiting families, so well-located apartments and townhouses both find guests.

The certificate comes first

Northern Ireland does not use a licence or a registration number. Instead, the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 makes it an offence to provide tourist accommodation without a certificate from Tourism NI. A whole flat or house let to visitors is self-catering accommodation and needs one. You apply, pay the fee, and Tourism NI inspects the property against the minimum criteria for its category before issuing a certificate. Inspections follow at least every four years, with an annual review form in between. There is no quota and no cap on nights.

Planning: a case-by-case question, with guidance on the way

Belfast City Council says planning permission may be required to use a house, an apartment or other premises as a short-term holiday let, depending on how far the letting changes the character of the property's use. Where there is doubt, it suggests applying for a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development for the proposed use, which gives a binding answer. The council has also opened a public consultation, from 24 August to 16 November 2026, on draft supplementary planning guidance for short-term let accommodation, covering serviced apartments, self-catering units and holiday lets. It recognises the contribution of short lets to the tourism economy while weighing housing supply and neighbourhood character. Expect clearer rules once the guidance is adopted.

Rates, safety and tax

• Self-catering accommodation available for short lets for 140 days or more a year is generally valued for non-domestic rates; below that, domestic rates apply.
• Northern Ireland fire law requires a fire risk assessment and appropriate measures for tourist accommodation.
• Profits are ordinary property income since the furnished holiday lettings regime ended in April 2025.

Our advice for Belfast owners

Apply to Tourism NI before the first booking, and get the planning answer in writing, particularly for an apartment in a residential block, where the management company's rules also matter. Follow the council's guidance consultation. Tell us about your property; we study every request and tell you honestly whether and how we can help.