A plain-English pointer to the UK Rent a Room Scheme for people letting a furnished room in their home. Not tax advice.
Written by RoomNest.uk. Last updated 12 September 2026.
If you let a furnished room in your only or main home, the Rent a Room Scheme may let you earn a set amount of rent tax-free. This page is a pointer to the official rules, not tax advice. Check your own circumstances on GOV.UK or with an accountant.
The headline allowance
The scheme covers income from letting furnished accommodation in your main home. The tax-free allowance is up to £7,500 a year. If you share the income with someone else, the allowance is halved to £3,750 each. Amounts and conditions can change, so use the current GOV.UK page before you rely on a figure.
What the scheme is not
- It is not a licence to skip a proper agreement with the person moving in.
- It does not set your rent, your deposit or your house rules.
- It does not replace checks that apply to your property, such as gas safety where you have gas appliances.
How this sits with a RoomNest listing
Say on the listing that the room is furnished, what the rent includes, and who else lives in the home. Tenants comparing rooms need the monthly cost and the bills, whether or not the Rent a Room allowance applies to you. If you are unsure whether your let qualifies, read the GOV.UK guidance before you describe the room as tax-free.