As an Irish landlord, minimising your tax liability comes down to one key thing: claiming all the deductions you're entitled to. Many property owners pay more tax than necessary simply because they don't know what expenses they can claim—or they make mistakes that reduce their allowable deductions.
Our tax specialists have reviewed hundreds of landlord tax situations and consistently find missed deductions. Here's your complete guide to maximising your allowable expenses legally.
📊 Key Deductions for Irish Landlords
- Mortgage interest: 100% deductible
- Insurance: Fully deductible
- Repairs: Fully deductible (not improvements)
- Management fees: Fully deductible
All Deductible Expenses for Landlords
Here's a comprehensive list of what you can deduct from your rental income:
Mortgage Interest (100%)
You can deduct 100% of mortgage interest payments on your rental property. This is often the largest deduction for landlords and significantly reduces your taxable rental profit. To claim this, you must be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
Property Insurance
Building insurance, landlord insurance, and contents insurance (if you provide furnished accommodation) are all deductible. This typically runs €300-€800 per year depending on property type and location.
Repairs and Maintenance
Repairs that restore the property to its original condition are fully deductible. This includes:
- Plumbing and electrical repairs
- Roof and gutter repairs
- Replacing broken appliances with similar models
- Repainting and redecoration
- Garden and property maintenance
Important: Improvements (upgrading the property) are capital expenditure and can't be deducted against rental income. See our guide on common landlord tax mistakes for more on this distinction.
Management and Letting Fees
Fees paid to letting agents for finding tenants, property management fees, and rent collection services are all deductible. If you use a property management company, their fees reduce your taxable income.
Professional Fees
Accountancy fees for preparing your rental accounts, legal fees for drawing up leases (under 21 years), and professional advice related to your rental property are deductible.
Pre-Letting Expenses
If your property was vacant before letting, certain expenses incurred to bring it to a rentable condition may qualify. This is often overlooked but can represent significant savings.
Other Deductible Costs
- RTB registration fees
- Advertising for tenants
- Stationery and postage relating to letting
- Travel expenses for property inspections (limited)
💡 Real Example
Patricia had rental income of €18,000/year but was only claiming mortgage interest. When we reviewed her returns, she'd missed €2,400 in deductible expenses—insurance, repairs, management fees, and accountancy costs. Her tax liability dropped by nearly €1,000.
What Can't You Deduct?
Understanding what doesn't qualify is equally important:
- Capital improvements: Extensions, new kitchens, upgraded bathrooms
- Mortgage capital repayments: Only the interest portion is deductible
- Personal use: If you use the property personally, expenses must be apportioned
- Long-term legal fees: Fees for leases over 21 years
PAYE Landlords: Don't Forget Your Employment Reliefs
If you're also a PAYE employee, you're entitled to employment-related tax reliefs on top of your rental deductions:
- Flat rate expenses for your profession
- Medical expenses relief (20%)
- Rent tax credit if you rent your own home
- Working from home relief
Our specialists review your complete tax situation—both rental and employment—to ensure you're claiming everything available.
Maximise Your Landlord Deductions
Our experts will review your rental expenses and find everything you can claim.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim for a new kitchen?
Generally no—a new kitchen is considered a capital improvement, not a repair. However, replacing individual appliances or repairing kitchen units may be deductible. The distinction matters—our specialists can advise.
Do I need to register with the RTB to claim mortgage interest?
Yes, you must be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board to claim mortgage interest relief. If you're not registered, you're losing out on your biggest potential deduction.
Can I go back and claim missed deductions?
Yes, you can amend your tax returns for up to four years. If you've missed deductions in previous years, we can review your returns and claim what you're owed.
What records do I need to keep?
Keep all receipts, invoices, and bank statements for at least six years. Revenue may request documentation to support your deductions.