Date posted: 5th Jan 2022
Unfortunately a common scenario for landlords, but there are times when a residential property does not have a tenant.
This could be periods when the property is empty, either between tenants or, in the case of a holiday let, between guests. Properties need to be maintained and it is easier to undertake any work that may need doing, such as redecoration, while the property is empty. However, if costs are incurred while the property is not let, can you deduct the costs for tax purposes?
General rule
The general rule is that expenses are deductible in computing the profits and losses for a property business as long as they are revenue in nature and the expenses are incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the business.
Empty periods
Where work is undertaken on a property while it is empty, the key question to ask is whether the business is on-going. HMRC will not regard the business as having ceased if there is simply a gap between tenants and the intention is to re-let the property once the work is complete.
If the landlord has other properties in the same property rental business, as profits are calculated for the business as a whole, any allowable costs relating to the empty property are taken into account when calculating the profits for the business as a whole. If there is only one property, the business will continue as long as the intention is to re-let and is available for letting once the work has been undertaken, the costs remain allowable. If there is a loss because allowable costs for the period exceed rental income, the loss can be carried forward and set against any profits of the same rental business.
If the rental business has ceased, depending on the nature of the work, relief may be available under the post-cessation rules.
If the property is used privately once the work has been undertaken, and the costs relate to the private use, for example, changing the décor for personal taste in preparation for use as a residence, a deduction is not available as the costs are not incurred for the purposes of the business.
Repairs v improvement
Where significant work is undertaken, it is important to understand the distinction between repairs, which essentially maintain the property and improvements, which enhance it.
A repair will include replacing roof tiles blown off in a storm, whereas a new extension would constitute an improvement as the cost is likely to be reflected in the value of the property. Repairs are revenue expenses which can be deducted from rental income, whereas improvement expenditure is capital expenditure which cannot be deducted from rental income but should be deductible when the property is sold.
If you have any queries regarding any aspect of property taxation, please contact us here.
