Rent a Room help

[Istabraq1]

I recently purchased a two bed apartment. My girlfriend is in the process of moving in with me. She is going to be be paying rent/contributing towards the mortgage.
Where do I stand with regards to the rent a room scheme?
Not really sure how this all works (currently doing my best to get myself up to speed on all things tax and benefits).
What would be the implications on me and her if I decided to persue the rent a room scheme.
Obviously I will not be informing the powers that be that this wonderful woman is in fact my girlfriend and she and I will be sharing the same room, but as we are not married I feel I shouldn't have to

Thanks

 

[ClubMan]

My girlfriend is in the process of moving in with me. She is going to be be paying rent/contributing towards the mortgage.
Where do I stand with regards to the rent a room scheme?
Obviously I will not be informing the powers that be that this wonderful woman is in fact my girlfriend and she and I will be sharing the same room, but as we are not married I feel I shouldn't have to

If she is genuinely renting from you then you can avail of the rent a room scheme. If she is contributing directly towards the mortgage and will have some beneficial vested interest in the property then she is an owner occupier and not a tenant. Your personal relationship doesn't matter (at least until/unless you eventually marry). What matters is whether or not there is a landlord tenant relationship. You must divulge all relevant information to Revenue otherwise you are into dodgy territory and will not get assistance with it here.

 

[Istabraq1]

Thanks Clubman
She is not as of yet paying anything towards the mortgage but when she moves in (tomorrow) she will be contributing towards it in as much as she will be paying rent/giving me money towards it.
I'm not really sure how the rent a room works and the benefits of it for me and my renter.
I dont intend holding any info back from the revenue, but do I need to divulge that in this case the "renter" is my girlfriend.
Am I as well just to tick along pay the mortagage and "collect" the "rent" from her every month to help with the repayments?

 

[ClubMan]

I'm not really sure how the rent a room works and the benefits of it for me and my renter.

You can receive up to €7,620 in rental income tax free and without having to register with the , , provide a r etc. Your tenant can claim [broken link removed].

I dont intend holding any info back from the revenue, but do I need to divulge that in this case the "renter" is my girlfriend.

I don't think so but I'm not sure what the relevant forms/documentation ask.

Am I as well just to tick along pay the mortagage and "collect" the "rent" from her every month to help with the repayments?

As opposed to what?

 

[Istabraq1]

Sorry badly phrased.
I'm just trying to ascertain what the advantages/disadvantages the scheme holds for my girlfriend and I.
From what you have said and from what I have subsequently read, as long as the rent does not go over the threshold I won't be affected but by girlfriend (renter), will be able to claim rent relief.

Thanks for your help, I really need to learn more about tax and benefits!

 

[ClubMan]

I am not a tax expert and while I think that my interpretation above is correct you should double check everything with somebody who is just to be sure.

 

[ramble]

You should ensure that it is very clear that your girlfriend is paying you rent, give her a rent book if necessary. If she is contributing directly to your mortgage or paying bills (heat esb maintenance) on the property she will acquire a legal interest in your property. If this is your intention then get an agreement drawn up by a solicitor, if this is not your intention, make sure that she is giving you money in cash or into your bank account (not mortgage account) as rent. Declare the money received on your tax return (must do this even if you are paye) under the rent a room section.