Can you claim Rent Relief if you are renting from a parent?

In short, you cannot claim rent relief for payments made to your parents – unless your parents are being taxed on the rent as rental income. 

This is because Rent Relief is only allowed where the rent is paid for Private Rental Accommodation – and that basically means for rent that the landlord is taxed on!

Up to 2007, parents could claim the rent as tax exempt under the rent a room scheme, but this is no longer allowed.

Make sure you understand the consequences of claiming rent relief from a parent – it will typically cost more for the family than you will get back in Rent Relief – and that’s not even taking into account the paperwork involved. 

Get your taxes checked by us for All Tax Refund opportunities – not just for refunds for Income Tax, but also for Income Levy, Health Levy and PRSI refunds – Apply now!

Can I claim Rent Relief for my Children who are renting in College?

Unfortunately, Rent Relief can not be claimed for my parents for their childrens college accommodation.  You can only claim Rent Relief for your Principal Private Residence, and in this it is your child’s home, not your own.

However, Parents should be aware of what Tax they can claim back – call us on 05991 73300 to check this out now.