Rent a room scheme

[Nita1840]

Im very new to hosting. I’m renting out a furnished tent in my back garden but sharing rooms in my home for the facilities such as kitchen, w/c and bathroom etc. Would this qualify under the governments rent a room scheme for tax purposes. I can’t find any advice for my particular set up. Any help would be appreciated. 

[Helen3]

I would say yes if you're sharing facilities. @Nita1840 

Can't see your profile /listing did you need planning permission from your local authority?

[Nita1840]

Thanks Helen, I hope that’s true. 
No don’t need planning permission, it’s just a bell tent in my back garden. 

I don’t know how to share my listing or make it visible to you?

[Mike-And-Jane0 · Accepted solution]

@Helen3 @Nita1840 The 2024 rules say:

0.1 When you can use the Rent-a-Room Scheme

You can use the scheme if:

• you let a furnished room to a lodger
• your letting activity amounts to a trade, for example, if you run a guest house or bed and breakfast business, or provide services, such as meals and cleaning

0.2 When you cannot use the Rent-a-Room Scheme

You cannot use the scheme if the accommodation is:

• not part of your main home when you let it
• not furnished
• used as an office or for any business — you can use the scheme if your lodger works in your home in the evening or at weekends or is a student who is provided with study facilities
• in your UK home and is let while you live abroad

So I think the accommodation is not part of your main home so rent a room does not apply.

[Helen3]

Ah I didn't realise that @Mike-And-Jane0 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Nita1840 I really don't know but I don't think it will count. However rather than have everyone guess I suggest you go onto gov.uk and search for 'rent a room'. You will then find documents for each year (as the rules seem to be changing constantly) and hopefully this will answer your question.

[Nita1840]

Thank you for your reply. I have looked at the documents but it’s still not clear. In theory I’m also renting our kitchen, bathroom and sitting room (which are in our main house) so thought it might be eligible. 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Nita1840 , did you manage to find further information in this regards?

[Nita1840]

Not really. My accountant thinks it wouldn’t count but they are also just guessing based on the gov.uk guidelines. 

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing @Nita1840 ! I noticed that @Mike-And-Jane0 has also shared a breakdown below, of when you can use the rent-a-room scheme. Did you get a chance to see if that information is a good reference point?