Own a rental property? Make sure you’re claiming it correctly
Watch the PoliceTax rental property claims video covering rental income, deductible expenses, apportionment and the records Australian owners should keep.
What this video means at tax time
A practical rental-property checklist
Bring the information needed to support both income and deductions.
Declare rental income
Include rent and other rental-related amounts. Use the legal ownership arrangement when working out each owner’s share.
Separate expense types
Agent fees, interest, rates, repairs, capital works and depreciating assets do not all follow the same deduction rules.
Apportion when required
Private use, discounted arrangements, partial-year availability and mixed-purpose borrowing can reduce the deductible portion.
Keep the evidence
- Agent statements and rent records
- Loan statements
- Rates, insurance and invoices
- Ownership and purchase documents
Source: ATO property and land guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim rental expenses while the property is empty?
Some expenses may be deductible while a property is genuinely available for rent. The advertising, rent level and other circumstances need to show a genuine rental intention.
Can I claim the full expense if I used the property privately?
Usually not. Expenses generally need to be apportioned for private use and other non-income-producing periods.
Related PoliceTax resources
Want us to check your circumstances?
These videos are general information. PoliceTax can review your records and tax position before you lodge.