Tax season can be overwhelming, especially for landlords. Many landlords are unsure which expenses landlords can claim, meaning they may miss out on valuable savings. Understanding your allowable and non-allowable expenses is essential for managing your rental property efficiently and minimising tax liability.
Expenses Landlords Can Claim
These are typical costs you can deduct from your rental income when calculating taxable profit:
1. RTB Registration Fees
Fees paid to register your tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) are fully claimable.
2. Insurance Premiums
Insurance covering your rental property — including fire and public liability — can be claimed.
3. Property Maintenance & Repairs
Day-to-day maintenance costs such as cleaning, painting, decorating, and minor repairs (rot, windows, doors, roof slates) are deductible. Note that improvements or renovations are not deductible.
4. Pre-Letting Property Fees
Fees paid before first letting — including letting agency fees, advertising, legal, or accountancy fees — can be claimed.
5. Services Provided to Tenants
If you pay for utilities or services (electricity, heating, water, refuse) and your tenant does not reimburse you, these costs are deductible.
6. Mortgage Interest & Certain Protection Premiums
Interest on money borrowed to purchase, improve, or repair a rental property may be claimable, provided the tenancy is RTB-registered. Certain mortgage protection policy premiums are also deductible.
7. Capital Allowances (Wear and Tear)
You may claim wear-and-tear allowances for qualifying items such as furnishings or energy-efficient equipment at 12.5% per year over eight years.
8. Retrofitting & Energy Efficiency Deductions
Expenditure on energy efficiency or retrofitting works may be deductible in the same tax year the works are carried out, subject to Revenue rules.
9. Costs Between Tenancies
Reasonable costs incurred while preparing a property for a new tenant — such as cleaning or minor repairs — may also be claimable.
Expenses Landlords Cannot Claim
These common costs are not deductible:
- Post-letting expenses (costs after a tenancy ends).
- Interest from purchase to first letting.
- Your own labour costs.
- Stamp Duty.
- Local Property Tax (LPT).
- Capital improvements (unless part of a Revenue-approved scheme).
Tips for Landlords
- Keep Accurate Records – Save all invoices, receipts, and RTB confirmations.
- Separate Repairs from Improvements – Only repairs are deductible.
- Seek Professional Advice – Some deductions, such as retrofitting or capital allowances, have specific eligibility rules.
Keeping track of all expenses landlords can claim ensures you maximise deductions and reduce tax liability.
References & Further Reading
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Revenue – Rental Income Expenses – Comprehensive guidance on what is allowable and non-allowable.
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Citizens Information – Rent Tax Credit – Context on current tax reliefs and credits for landlords and tenants in Ireland.
Need Clarification?
Landlords can contact us — we’re happy to help where we can.