What Records Do UK Landlords Need for Tax Purposes?

Whether you let one property or several, keeping good records is essential, both to report the right tax and to protect yourself if HMRC ever asks questions. Here is what UK landlords should keep.

Income records

• Rent received, with dates and amounts.
• Any other income from the property, such as charges for services.
• Tenancy agreements and records of deposits.

Expense records

• Letting agent and management fees.
• Repairs and maintenance (but not improvements, which are treated differently).
• Landlord insurance.
• Ground rent, service charges and certain professional fees.
• Mortgage interest and other finance costs, note that for residential lets these receive a basic-rate tax reduction rather than a full deduction.

How long to keep records

As a general rule, keep your records for at least a number of years after the relevant filing deadline, HMRC sets minimum periods, and keeping them longer does no harm. Digital copies are fine and far easier to manage.

Making Tax Digital for landlords

MTD for Income Tax is being phased in for landlords with qualifying income over the relevant thresholds, starting 6 April 2026 for income above £50,000. That will mean keeping digital records and sending quarterly updates, so moving to software now is sensible.

Make it easy on yourself

Simple cloud software, a dedicated account for rental income and expenses, and prompt record-keeping turn tax time from a scramble into a formality. Our landlord tax service and support for landlords can take it off your hands entirely.

Figures and rules are correct to the best of our knowledge as of October 2026 and relate to the 2026/27 tax year unless stated. Tax rules change and depend on your circumstances, always check current guidance on GOV.UK or speak to us before acting.