Vulnerable Renters 'Unclear' On Access To Rent Credit

People across Ireland renting a home by way of a licence agreement have voiced concerns over a lack of clarity on the access to renters credit.

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik expressed concern after the Taoiseach failed to answer questions on who qualifies as a renter.

Deputy Bacik said: "In response to Parliamentary Questions, the Minister for Housing appeared to answer these concerns by stating that licensees would be entitled to claim the tax credit. However, he referenced only those in the rent-a-room scheme or in student accommodation.


"Again today in the Dáil, the Taoiseach could not provide any clarity on this. If the purpose of this Budget was to give people certainty, renters who are in a licence agreement that does not fall within a rent-a-room scheme or in student accommodation are left with more questions than answers.

"We in Labour remain critical of the tax credit, particularly given its introduction without an emergency eviction ban and a time-limited rent freeze. As if plucked from thin air, a €500 tax credit for renters is unlikely to make much of an impact for the hundreds of thousands of people paying an average of €20,000 in their rented home. For renters in my own constituency, it will effectively amount only to a week's rent – not enough to make any significant difference. But it is important that all renters would be able to claim it, and we are still unclear as to its full application. Every renter should be entitled to the tax credit announced during the Budget. They need clarity immediately."