Weekday rooms (digs) and Rent-a-Room: letting a room at home
How renting a room in your own home works, the tax relief, and what rights a lodger has.
What counts as a weekday room or rent-a-room
If you rent a room in the home you live in, the person is usually a licensee (a lodger), not a tenant. Weekday rooms (Monday to Friday) for students and workers are a common example.
Licensees are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Acts, so you do not register with the RTB. Agree the house rules, notice period and payments in writing anyway.
Rent-a-Room Relief
Under Revenue's Rent-a-Room Relief, you can earn up to €14,000 a year (€16,000 from 1 January 2027) from renting rooms in your main home without paying income tax on it, if you meet the conditions. You still need to declare the income on your tax return.
The relief does not apply if the person renting is your child or civil partner's child, or for short-term guests through online booking platforms. Check Revenue's current rules before you rely on it.
Advertising your room on StayLister
Choose "Weekday room" or "Long-term" when you post, add clear photos of the actual room, and say what's included (bills, meals, laundry). Posting is free.
Common questions
Do I need to register a lodger with the RTB?
Usually not. Someone renting a room in the home you live in is usually a licensee, not a tenant, and licensees are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Acts. Agree the house rules, notice period and payments in writing anyway.
How much can I earn tax-free from renting a room?
Under Revenue's Rent-a-Room Relief, you can earn up to €14,000 a year (€16,000 from 1 January 2027) from renting rooms in your main home without paying income tax on it, if you meet the conditions. You still need to declare the income on your tax return.
Does Rent-a-Room Relief cover short-term guests from booking sites?
No. The relief does not apply to short-term guests through online booking platforms, or if the person renting is your child or civil partner's child.