Unlock the Potential of Your Empty Space!
Do you have spare rooms gathering dust in your home? Are you seeking a meaningful way to utilize that extra space while creating unforgettable experiences and tax free income, under the rent a room scheme?
It’s a common dilemma – having valuable space that could be put to good use but not knowing how. Empty rooms represent missed opportunities, both financially and socially.
Imagine the potential for growth and cultural exchange slipping through your fingers. Not only is your space underutilized, but you’re missing out on the chance to connect with fascinating individuals from around the world.
Discover the joy of hosting and become a cherished part of someone’s Dublin/Ireland experience. Join our community of hosts and open your home to international students, and professionals seeking a home away from home.
- Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in different cultures without leaving your home.
- Extra Income: Turn your spare space into a source of additional income.
- Meaningful Connections: Forge lasting friendships with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Each adult who lives in your home (person 18 years and over) must complete a vetting Invitation form and also have their Proof of ID and proof of address verified.
- Once complete we then transmit this to Irish Vetting services who will then arrange for you to receive an email from the National Vetting Bureau (evetting.donotreply@garda.ie) containing a link to the Garda Vetting online form NVB2.
- This must be completed by return to ensure the application does not expire. It will ask for your name, DOB and passport number and all the addresses that you have lived at since birth (if you have any questions at this stage you can contact Ruth@hfdi.ie)
- If everything is correctly submitted, we will then receive an email in 10 working days with your vetting disclosure certificate.
- It is valid for 3 years but only applies when you are working with bookings from Host Family Dublin Ireland.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our Garda Vetting Coordinator Ruth.
- Phone: (+353) 01 4446045 ext. 2010
- Email: gardavetting@hfdi.ie
- Frequently asked questions
Curfews & Student Safety
The safety and welfare of our students is extremely important to HFDI. Many of the students staying with our host families are under 18 years of age, and we ask all hosts to help us ensure that appropriate curfews are observed.Students Travelling as Part of a Group
Students travelling as part of a group will normally have a programme of organised activities and excursions. Once students return to their host family in the evening, they must remain at the host family home unless their group leader, teacher or HFDI has specifically advised otherwise, or they are going out with their host family. The school, agent, group leader or HFDI may set a specific curfew for the group. Where a curfew has been provided, it applies to all students travelling as part of that group and must be followed. Where no specific curfew has been provided, the HFDI general guideline for students travelling as part of a group is:- Sunday–Thursday: home by 9:00pm
- Friday & Saturday: home by 10:00pm
Guests Aged 18 and Over Who Are Not Travelling With a Group
Adult guests who are not part of an organised group are responsible for their own movements. However, they are staying in a private family home and are expected to respect the host family's household rules, particularly regarding late-night arrivals, noise and security. We recommend discussing your household expectations with your guest at the beginning of their stay.If a Student Does Not Return Home
If a student travelling as part of a group has not returned home by their agreed curfew, hosts should:- Try to contact the student immediately.
- If the student cannot be contacted or their whereabouts are unknown, contact the HFDI emergency number immediately. If you have the group leader's or teacher's contact number, you should also inform them.
- If you believe there is an immediate risk to the student's safety or an emergency, contact the emergency services on 112 and then inform HFDI.
Insurance
It is up to the host to ensure that they have adequate home insurance.Rent Relief
Rent-a-Room Relief may not apply to host family income. It is the host family's responsibility to seek professional advice regarding the taxation of host family income.Do I give my guest a key?
For intern bookings, the high school program, and any mature guests, it is important that they have a key and that you show them how to lock up securely.What type of booking can you expect from us?
Group bookings. We place students and leaders together in areas, all over Dublin and Ireland:- International school students: Short stays of 4-7 days, ages 13-19
- Intern students: Work experience placements of 1-3 months, ages 16-25
- Summer program: 3-4 week stays, ages 11-19 combining study and activities
- Immersion summer students: They spend all their time living with the host family
- Academic students: Attending Irish secondary schools, ages 15 -16
- Mature guests: Who are are in Ireland to study and work
What we ask of our host families?
- Your home should be tidy, well-maintained, and clean. Think about the standard you would expect if you were arriving at a B&B. The most common complaints from guests and agencies are untidy and unclean homes.
- Your home should have Wi-Fi, and you should offer a warm welcome to your guest. Upon arrival, please show them bus stops, meeting points and other important local areas.
- For room-only bookings, please allow reasonable access to the kitchen and washing machine, or inform us in advance if you do not allow use.
- If we place students under the age of 18, we will first conduct a home visit and then complete the Garda vetting process.
- Guests will need a Laundry service once a week
- If your guest does become sick during their stay, they may need to stay at home while they recover.
- Please email photos of your room and communal areas to hosts@hfdi.ie as soon as possible.