With rising living costs and increasing mortgage rates across Ireland, more homeowners are exploring new ways to boost income. One increasingly popular option is renting out a portion of their home. But a common question remains: Can I rent part of my home and still live in it? The answer is yes and not only is it allowed, but it can also be highly beneficial if approached correctly.

Of course, knowing what rent to charge is just as important as knowing whether you can rent. That’s where a rental estimate tool becomes incredibly valuable. It ensures you’re not undervaluing the space, or worse charging too much and struggling to find tenants.

Let’s explore the practicalities, legal considerations, and financial advantages of renting out part of your home along with how a smart rental estimate tool can guide you through the process.

(free, no sign-up, no limits)

Understanding the Basics: Renting While Living in Your Home

Renting part of your home while continuing to live there is known as renting a room or subletting a section of your property. This might be a spare bedroom, a converted attic, a basement flat, or even a self-contained annex.

Under the Rent-a-Room Relief Scheme in Ireland, homeowners can earn up to €14,000 per year tax-free by renting out part of their home. To qualify:

• The property must be your primary residence
  
• The space rented must be part of your home (not a separate building)
  
• The income must come from private residential use, not short-term stays like Airbnb
  

With this option, homeowners can offset mortgage repayments and household expenses without giving up their own living space.

Why a Rental Estimate Tool Is Essential in This Situation

Unlike renting an entire property, pricing a room or section of your home can be more nuanced. Variables like shared bathrooms, private entrances, kitchen access, and overall privacy all influence rental value.

That’s where the FindQo.ie rental estimate tool can provide clarity. This tool gives you a realistic, data-driven rental estimate, even for partial rentals.

The FindQo.ie Rental Estimate Tool uses:

• Live Market Data: It pulls real-time listings from all major Irish rental websites to stay up to date with pricing trends.
  
• Historical Insights: It considers historical data on similar properties in your specific area.
  
• Exclusive FindQo Intelligence: Proprietary AI-driven insights help factor in location, property type, and amenities to deliver highly relevant results.

(free, no sign-up, no limits)

Whether you’re renting a single bedroom in Rathmines or a garden flat in Galway, this tool helps you price with confidence.

Common Setups for Renting Part of Your Home

There are multiple ways to rent part of your home, depending on the space and privacy you’re willing to offer. Here are some of the most common arrangements:

1. Spare Bedroom

Ideal for students or single professionals, renting out a spare bedroom is the most straightforward option. Tenants share communal areas like the kitchen and bathroom, making the rent more affordable and the setup less complicated for you.

2. Self-Contained Unit Within the Home

If you have a converted garage, basement, or attic with a private bathroom and kitchenette, you can offer a more independent living space. These arrangements often command higher rent due to the added privacy.

3. Studio or Annex

Some homes have a garden studio or rear extension that functions like a mini flat. These are attractive to couples or remote workers who want a semi-private home without city-centre prices.

Regardless of the setup, a rental estimate tool helps identify how much value each configuration brings based on real market behaviour.

Legal Considerations: What You Need to Know Before Renting

Before inviting a tenant into your home, be sure to understand your responsibilities. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Planning Permission: You usually don’t need planning permission for renting a room, but converting part of your home into a self-contained flat may require approval.
  
• Registration: Rent-a-Room tenants are exempt from registration with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), but full lettings (like annexes or separate units) must be registered.
  
• Insurance: Inform your home insurance provider. Failure to disclose a tenancy could invalidate your policy.
  
• Tenancy Agreements: Even if you’re under the same roof, having a written agreement protects both parties.
  

Again, knowing what rent to charge especially for an unusual or hybrid living setup—is where a trusted rental estimate tool like FindQo.ie can prevent costly misjudgements.

Benefits of Renting While Living at Home

If you’re considering renting out part of your home, you’re not alone and for good reason. Here’s what makes it an attractive option:

• Tax-free income through the Rent-a-Room Relief Scheme (up to €14,000 annually)
  
• Reduced financial pressure from rising mortgage and utility costs
  
• Use of underutilised space (e.g. guest room, attic, converted garage)
  
• More flexible tenant relationships, especially if you’re present in the home
  

Plus, many renters appreciate the affordability and sense of security that comes with living in a shared home.

The key to making it work? A clear agreement and accurate rent pricing, powered by a tool like FindQo.ie’s rental estimate tool.

(free, no sign-up, no limits)

Tips for Attracting the Right Tenant

Sharing your home isn’t just about income it’s also about compatibility. Here’s how to attract the right person:

• Be clear about house rules (guests, noise, smoking, etc.)
  
• Offer a clean, well-furnished space
  
• Use clear, high-quality photos in your ad
  
• Be upfront about shared vs private areas
  

And most importantly—set the rent appropriately for the market. Overpricing can lead to long vacancy periods, while underpricing means you’re not getting fair value. That’s why using a reliable rental estimate tool is one of the smartest first steps.

Living and Renting Under One Roof

Yes, you absolutely can rent part of your home and still live in it. In fact, it’s a win-win for many Irish homeowners looking to balance income and lifestyle. But success depends on more than just having the space it requires smart planning, clear agreements, and the right pricing strategy.

That’s where the FindQo.ie rental estimate tool comes in. With AI-powered insights, real-time market listings, and historical rental data, it ensures you set the right rent every time.

(free, no sign-up, no limits)

Don’t guess. Know what your space is worth and start earning with confidence.