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Lodger dodgers and Airbnb landlords may be targeted in Budget

A newspaper claims landlords who ‘game’ the current tax regime for short term lets and lodging may be in the firing line in the Budget on October 29.

Currently amateur landlords can claim up to £7,500 tax free per year through the Rent A Room allowance system by letting their spare rooms in properties where they live.

But the Sunday Times says the government suspects some landlords using Airbnb and similar short Let platforms are claiming the allowance on income derived from properties used solely for letting purposes, and where the landlords themselves do not live.

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The Treasury has told the paper that the number of people claiming Rent A Room allowance rose 38 per cent between 2007-8 and 2014-15, the latest figures available.

The paper says new occupancy rules, drawn up following a formal consultation held by the government earlier this year, will be included in a Finance Bill to be published after the Budget.

It is thought that a residency requirement in the property on which tax relief is claimed is to be a central element of the new rules.

The consultation received 178 responses including one from room letting platform SpareRoom which has suggested some 170,000 individuals are renting out their spare rooms. 

  • S l
    • S l
    • 15 October 2018 15:08 PM

    dps my deposit are not helping the situation. not only are they ripping of landlord by refusing legally entitled deductions but also their decisions are binding which is absurd considering majority of them have no clue as to tenant issues created by their lack of responsibility eg ventilation and mould issues, paint peeling, professional cleaning and so forth and so forth. why are the politicians coming up with more problems instead of solutions which they can t manage or control leaving more issues to deal with

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    I know of joint property owners (mother and son) both claiming separate £7500 pa for their lodgers. While there is a review of allowance and residency requirement the Government should look at the legality of a multiple claim using the same address.

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    Residency requirement in the property would be a central element of the new rules.
    192.168.0.1

  • mary lenkov

    170,000 spare rooms. Well done. The property is always good.

  • bandale jiil

    good work

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