If you’ve ever thought about earning extra income from your spare bedroom, Ireland’s Rent a Room Scheme could be one of the most tax-efficient ways to do it.
Whether you have an unused bedroom because children have moved out, you’re living alone, or you simply want to make better use of your home, renting a room can provide a reliable source of income while helping address Ireland’s ongoing accommodation shortage.
For many homeowners, the ideal arrangement isn’t a full-time lodger. Instead, more people are choosing Monday to Friday or Sunday to Thursday room rentals for professionals, apprentices, college students and people working away from home during the week. This offers a quieter home life at weekends while still generating a valuable income.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Ireland’s Rent a Room Scheme, including tax rules, eligibility, income limits, who you can rent to, and why weekday accommodation is becoming increasingly popular. If at the end of the article you have queries please email us at admin@getdigs.ie and we will do our best to answer them.
What is Ireland’s Rent a Room Scheme?
The Rent a Room Scheme is a tax relief provided by the Irish Government that allows homeowners to earn tax-free income by renting out a room in their principal private residence.
If your gross rental income stays below the annual threshold set by Revenue, you won’t pay:
- Income Tax
- Universal Social Charge (USC)
- PRSI
This makes it one of the most attractive ways to earn additional income from your home.
The scheme was introduced to encourage homeowners to make use of spare bedrooms while increasing the supply of accommodation throughout Ireland to address the accommodation crisis.
How Much Can You Earn Tax-Free?
As of current Revenue rules, homeowners can earn up to €14,000 per year in gross rental income under the Rent a Room Scheme.
This figure includes:
- Rent received
- Contributions towards bills
- Payments for meals (if provided)
- Any other payments connected with the accommodation
If your total income exceeds the annual limit, the entire amount becomes taxable—not just the amount above the threshold.
Because of this, many homeowners carefully set rental rates to remain within the tax-free allowance.
Who Can Use the Scheme?
You can qualify if:
- You own your home.
- Your home is your principal private residence.
- The room is inside your home.
- The accommodation is used by a private individual.
You can also qualify if you’re a tenant renting your home, but you’ll need permission from your landlord before subletting a room.
What Doesn’t Qualify?
The Rent a Room Scheme generally does not apply if:
- You’re a homeowner who is renting an entire property.
- The room is used as business premises.
- The accommodation is provided to your own employer.
- You’re operating a guesthouse, hotel or similar commercial business.
Short-term tourist accommodation may also fall outside the scheme depending on the circumstances.
Do You Need to Declare the Income?
Yes.
Even if your rental income is completely tax-free under the scheme, you must still declare it in your annual tax return and claim the Rent a Room relief.
Failing to declare the income could cause issues with Revenue later.
Who Makes the Best Lodgers?
Today’s homeowners have far more choice than they did in the past.
Many people aren’t looking for permanent accommodation—they simply need somewhere comfortable during the working week.
Popular weekday lodgers include:
- Professionals relocating temporarily
- Contractors working on projects
- Healthcare staff
- Teachers
- Graduate employees
- Apprentices
- College students
- Public sector workers
- Airline crew
- People whose family home is elsewhere
These tenants often leave on Thursday evening or Friday and return Sunday night or Monday morning.
Why Monday to Friday Room Rentals Are Growing
Traditional full-time lodgers aren’t the only option anymore.
Across Ireland, more homeowners are choosing Monday to Friday room rentals because they offer a balance between additional income and maintaining privacy.
Benefits include:
You Get Your Weekends Back
One of the biggest attractions is having your home to yourself from Friday evening until Sunday night.
Many homeowners enjoy entertaining family, having grandchildren stay, or simply relaxing without sharing their home every day.
Less Wear and Tear
A room occupied only during the working week experiences less use than one occupied seven days a week.
That usually means:
- Less laundry
- Lower utility costs
- Reduced cleaning
- Less bathroom usage
- Less kitchen traffic
Ideal for Professionals
Weekday tenants tend to have regular working hours and predictable routines.
Many leave early each morning and return in the evening, making the arrangement straightforward for homeowners.
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Ideal for Students
Students who choose Monday to Friday Accommodation in a family home tend to be studious and quite. A quite comfortable home to study and also relax is a great option to have. This setup also suits the homeowner.
Again, many leave early each morning and return in the evening, making the arrangement straightforward for homeowners.
Reliable Income
Professionals often stay for several months while working on contracts or assignments.
Students likewise but for semesters during the college year.
This provides consistent income without the constant turnover associated with short-term accommodation.
Sunday to Thursday Lets Are Also Popular
Some homeowners prefer guests arriving on Sunday evening and leaving on Thursday night.
This arrangement works particularly well for:
- Corporate workers
- Medical staff
- Engineers
- Construction professionals
- Visiting lecturers
It also gives homeowners a completely private long weekend.
How Much Should You Charge?
Rental prices depend on several factors:
- Location
- Transport links
- Parking
- Room size
- Ensuite facilities
- Internet quality
- Bills included
- Local demand
- Meals provided or not – canteens in the workplace and in the colleges are now of a very high standard that the Lodgers tend to eat there as opposed to at the homeowners home.
Homes close to:
- Business parks
- Universities
- Hospitals
- Public transport
- City centres
typically achieve higher rents.
Including utilities, broadband and parking often makes listings more attractive.
If you are a Homeowner considering renting out a room then go to Getdigs.ie, click ‘Find a Room’ and enter your location. This will return existing rooms in your area and will give you a flavour of what other homeowners are charging.
What Makes a Room Attractive?
Small improvements can significantly increase demand. 
Popular features include:
- Comfortable double bed
- Desk for remote work
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Good heating
- Storage
- Fresh bedding
- Blackout curtains
- Ensuite bathroom (where available)
Professionals often value reliability and cleanliness over luxury.
Do You Need a Written Agreement?
While not legally required in every situation, a written and signed agreement is highly recommended. Getdigs.ie having a section on their website called ‘Homeowner /Lodger Agreement Tips‘ check it out!
It should include:
- Weekly rent
- Payment dates
- Notice period
- House rules
- Guests policy
- Parking arrangements
- Kitchen access
- Laundry arrangements
- Internet access
Clear expectations help prevent misunderstandings.
Insurance Considerations
Before taking in a lodger, contact your home insurance provider.
Many insurers simply need to note that you’re participating in the Rent a Room Scheme.
It’s always better to notify them in advance.
Safety Tips for Homeowners
Always:
- Meet prospective lodgers – we recommend in a public place for a coffee – get to know them, ensure you are comfortable with them.
- Ask for identification.
- Request references where appropriate.
- Discuss house expectations openly.
- Trust your instincts.
Finding someone who fits your household is just as important as receiving rent.
Why Weekday Lodgers Are Often the Best Choice
Many homeowners discover that weekday accommodation offers the best of both worlds.
You benefit from:
- Additional tax-efficient income
- Company during the week – this is often overlooked. We have feedback that both homeowners and lodgers have become very close friends.
- A quieter home
- Private weekends
- Lower wear and tear
- Easier long-term arrangements
For people who enjoy their independence but would like extra income, it’s an excellent compromise.
Why List Your Room on GetDigs.ie?
GetDigs.ie specialises in connecting homeowners with people looking for weekday accommodation across Ireland.
Instead of attracting holidaymakers or short-term guests, GetDigs focuses on professionals, students and workers seeking:
- Monday to Friday accommodation
- Sunday to Thursday accommodation
- Weekly commuter rooms
- Professional lodgings
- Medium-term room rentals
This means homeowners receive enquiries from people looking for exactly the type of arrangement many prefer. While Getdigs.ie does not vet potential lodgers it does have an SMS software package embedded into the website which allows homeowners and lodgers to ‘converse’ and this is the perfect time for the homeowner to ask the lodger different questions.
Whether you’re renting your first spare room or have welcomed lodgers for years, GetDigs.ie makes it easier to connect with reliable weekday tenants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rent a Room Scheme tax-free?
Yes, provided your gross annual rental income stays below the Revenue threshold of €14,000 per annum and you meet the qualifying conditions.
Can I rent to students?
Yes. Many homeowners rent to university students, postgraduate students and apprentices.
Can I rent Monday to Friday only?
Absolutely. Weekday-only accommodation is becoming increasingly popular and suits many homeowners. Remember, you the homeowner is in control and can stipulate how many days a week the room is available to rent.
Do I have to provide meals?
No. Most weekday arrangements are room-only with access to the kitchen.
Do I need to register with the RTB?
No. Lodgers living in your own principal private residence are generally not covered by Residential Tenancies legislation in the same way as tenants renting separate accommodation. Check the latest guidance if you’re unsure about your specific circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Ireland’s Rent a Room Scheme provides homeowners with an excellent opportunity to earn tax-efficient income while helping ease the country’s housing shortage.
For many people, the ideal solution isn’t a permanent full-time lodger—it’s a professional or student who stays Monday to Friday or Sunday to Thursday, providing reliable income while allowing you to enjoy your home at weekends.
If you have a spare bedroom, now could be the perfect time to put it to good use.
List your room on GetDigs.ie and connect with professionals looking for safe, comfortable weekday accommodation throughout Ireland.
For additional information on the Irish Governments Rent a Room Scheme go to the Citizensinformation.ie website and the Rent a Room section.
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