Licensee or tenant? Digs, lodgers and tenancies in Ireland

The short answer

If you rent a room in a home where the owner also lives, you are usually a licensee (a lodger). Monday–Friday digs are a common example.

If you rent a place, or a room in a house share, where the owner doesn't live, you are usually a tenant.

What changes for a tenant

Tenancies are covered by the Residential Tenancies Acts. The landlord must register the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), and there are rules on deposits, rent, repairs and notice.

If there's a disagreement, either side can bring a dispute to the RTB.

What changes for a licensee

The Residential Tenancies Acts and RTB registration don't apply, so the deposit limits, notice periods and dispute service for tenancies don't either.

You still have protection under general law: the owner should give reasonable notice and return your deposit as agreed. Citizens Information and Threshold can advise.

Agree these in writing

The rent and what it includes, the deposit and when it's returned, the days you stay (for digs), house rules, and how much notice you each give.

A short agreement, even a message you both keep, avoids most problems later.

For homeowners

Renting a room in your own home can be tax-free up to €14,000 a year under Revenue's Rent-a-Room Relief. See our guide to the relief for the conditions.

Common questions

Am I a licensee or a tenant in Ireland?

If you rent a room in a home where the owner also lives, you are usually a licensee (a lodger). If the owner doesn't live there, you are usually a tenant.

Is digs covered by tenancy law?

Usually not. Monday–Friday digs are a common example of a licence, and the Residential Tenancies Acts and RTB registration don't apply to licensees.

What protection does a licensee have?

You still have protection under general law: the owner should give reasonable notice and return your deposit as agreed. Citizens Information and Threshold can advise.