Low Rent Tax Credit Uptake In Clare Blamed On Fear Of Eviction

Clare FM

It's been suggested renters in Clare aren't asking their landlords if they're registered for fear of eviction. It comes as new Oireachtas figures have highlighted an alarmingly low uptake in the rent tax credit this year. Clare FM's Seán Lyons reports. ===== When first introduced in 2022, the Rent Tax Credit or RTC, allowed renters to claim maximum tax relief of €1,000 in the case of a couple and €500 in all other cases. For this year and next year, that's been increased to €1,500 for couples and €750 for those in other circumstances. The uptake rate is noticeably low this year however with just 59,481 claims recorded nationwide so far - meaning roughly six in seven renters haven't yet made a claim. Just 770 claims have been made in Clare in 2024 to date - with €870 being the average claim value. To avail of the tax credit, a tenancy must be registered with the Residential Tenancy Board unless it's a licence arrangement such a when a tenant shares with the owner or is in a rent-a-room or digs arrangement. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor and Clare Social Development Strategic Policy Committee member Tommy Guilfoyle believes renters are afraid to ask if they're entitled to the credit as they fear they'll lose the tenancy. [CLIP] Tenants can find out if their tenancy is registered by checking the "Check The Register" section of the RTB website. As of Budget 2024, the Rent Tax Credit can be claimed for digs or rent-a-room arrangements if you pay rent for your child attending third-level education. As per the stipulations of the tax credit, the landlord must not be a housing association or approved housing body, a local authority, your parent or your child. Threshold Campaigns Officer Cat Clark says because private rental supply is in such dire straits, penalising landlords who fail to register their properties isn't necessarily possible or advisable.