If you're renting as a couple in Ireland, you could both be entitled to the rent tax credit—potentially worth up to €2,000 combined per year. Many couples don't realise they can both claim, or they're confused about how the credit works when sharing a tenancy.
Our specialists have helped hundreds of couples maximise their rent credit claims. Here's everything you need to know about claiming as a couple.
📊 Rent Tax Credit for Couples 2025
- Individual claim: Up to €1,000 per person
- Couple (joint assessment): Up to €2,000 combined
- Backdating: Available since 2022
- Who qualifies: Private renters (not local authority)
How Does the Rent Credit Work for Couples?
The rent tax credit provides relief of 20% of qualifying rent paid, up to a maximum credit. For couples, the rules depend on your tax assessment status:
Married Couples / Civil Partners (Jointly Assessed)
If you're married or in a civil partnership and jointly assessed for tax, you can claim a combined credit of up to €2,000. This is claimed on one tax return but covers both of you.
Unmarried Couples / Cohabiting Partners
If you're not married, each of you can claim the credit individually—up to €1,000 each. You each make your own claim based on your share of the rent. This can actually be beneficial as both partners claim separately.
Housemates
Even if you share with housemates (not a romantic partner), each person on the lease who pays rent can potentially claim their own rent credit of up to €1,000.
What Rent Qualifies?
To claim the rent credit, your tenancy must meet certain conditions:
- Private rented accommodation (not local authority housing)
- The property is your principal private residence
- The tenancy is registered with the RTB (or qualifies for exemption)
- You're not renting from a close relative
💡 Real Example
Emma and David are unmarried and share a rented apartment, paying €1,800/month in rent. Each claimed the rent credit separately—Emma got €1,000 and David got €1,000. Combined with other reliefs, their total refund was €3,240.
How Much Could You Get Back?
The rent credit can be backdated to 2022, so couples could be owed thousands in unclaimed credits.
Other Reliefs for Couples
When we review your tax, we look at everything—not just the rent credit:
- Medical expenses – 20% relief for both partners
- Work expenses – each partner's profession may qualify
- Working from home – if either works remotely
- Tax credit optimisation – ensuring credits are allocated efficiently
The average refund our clients receive is €1,080. Couples often receive more when we review both partners' tax situations together.
Renting as a Couple? Check What You're Owed
Our experts will review both partners' tax and find every relief you're entitled to.
Start Your Free Review →No refund, no fee • Average refund €1,080 • TAIN: 77632V
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both of us claim if only one name is on the lease?
If you both pay rent and both live at the property as your main residence, you may both be able to claim. The key is demonstrating you pay qualifying rent—our team can advise on your specific situation.
What if we got married part-way through the year?
The rules can be applied on a pro-rata basis. Our specialists calculate the optimal claim based on your circumstances before and after marriage.
Can we backdate the rent credit?
Yes, the rent credit can be backdated to 2022 when it was introduced. Many couples are owed significant amounts from years they never claimed.