Accommodation as an expense?

Panglossian

I'm in paid employment but I'm currently having to pay rent for lodgings because I'm working 400 miles away from home. Can I claim my rent as an employment expense on my self-assessment return?

Pennywise

Was this a new job you have taken which is a long way from home, hence having to live nearer to it,

or

Was this an existing job (more local to where you live) but your employer has requested/told you to attend a site much further away?

TheCyclingProgrammer

If its a permanent job, generally not with some exemptions:

https://www.gov.uk/expenses-and-benefits-accommodation/overview

If you are working at what could be considered a temporary workplace, then possibly, subject to certain rules (chiefly the 24 month/40% rule).

Panglossian

It's a permanent job that I've been in for a number of years. I was living within easy commuting distance to begin with, but personal circumstances forced me to move house - 400 miles away. Immediately I can find comparable work closer to my new address I'll change jobs but, in the meantime, I've moved into rented accommodation. So, for the moment, I'm paying a mortgage and rent.

Pennywise

Panglossian wrote: »

It's a permanent job that I've been in for a number of years. I was living within easy commuting distance to begin with, but personal circumstances forced me to move house - 400 miles away. Immediately I can find comparable work closer to my new address I'll change jobs but, in the meantime, I've moved into rented accommodation. So, for the moment, I'm paying a mortgage and rent.

In that case, then no, nothing can be claimed.