Question
Can I claim for replacing the roof or just for repairs?
Arthur says:
This is what the Revenue say:
In the case of residential accommodation we accept that the ‘entirety’ will normally be the house or the block of flats that is let. So if your roof is damaged and you replace the damaged area, your expenditure is allowable.
Even if the repairs are substantial, that does not of itself make them capital for tax purposes, provided the character of the asset remains unchanged.
If the whole roof is damaged, then it will be understandable that replacing the whole roof will be an allowable revenue expense. Or it could be that replacing the whole roof will be cheaper than attempting to just repair the damaged parts. Again the whole cost will be allowable in these circumstances. What is not allowable as a revenue expense is when there is not a like for like replacement, but a major improvement.