Rental income

14 important questions on Rental income

What marks the commencement of rental income according to S4(a)?

The commencement of rental income according to S4(a) is marked by the date when the real property is made available for letting.

What happens if maintenance or support services are not comprehensively or actively provided?

The maintenance and support services are passively derived from ownership of the property. Such letting does not qualify as S4(a) income. It is taxed as S4(d) rental income.

When is rental income taxable as S4(a)?

If maintenance or support or ancillary services are comprehensively or actively provided. This excludes provision of security services only. It includes:
  • Maintenance of the real property: stairways, lobby, corridors, lifts, pipes, sewage.
  • Maintenance of the exterior part of the real property: car parks, playing field, walls + fence, etc.
These services can be provided by himself or he hires another person to provide them.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

When can IBA be claimed for a factory/warehouse rented out by the owner?

  • If a person owns a factory/warehouse.
  • Lets out the factory/warehouse for rental.
  • Building is used as a factory for manufacturing/as a warehouse for warehousing business by the tenant.
  • IBA will be claimed by the owner against the rental income received.

What is the IBA tax treatment on IB which is not a factory/warehouse?

  • IBA can be claimed against the business income if the IB is used for the business.
  • The IB has to be owner business occupied.
  • If rented out, the owner cannot claim IBA against the rental income.

What is the significance of the date in relation to expenses incurred before the commencement of rental income?

The date is important as expenses incurred before the commencement date are not deductible. This applies to expenses related to rental income.

When cant IBA be claimed by the owner for a rented-out building?

  • If the owner rents out an IB which is NOT a factory/warehouse.
Examples: college building, hospital, hotel.
  • IBA cannot be claimed against the rental income received by the owner.
  • Owner cannot rent out the building but use it for business.

How is advance rental treated for S4(d) rental income?

Advance rental is taxable in the YA of receipt. Expenses on the advance rental are deductible in the same YA in which the advance rental is taxable.
Revise computation.

What is not deductible if the rental of the property has not commenced yet?

Pre-commencement expenses are not deductible if the rental of the property has not commenced yet. These expenses are not incurred in the production of income.

What is the treatment for expenses on advance rental for two S4(d) income properties?

Expenses for the advance rental are deductible in the YA the expenses are incurred against the gross rental for the other properties.

When are expenses deductible in the production of rental income?

Expenses are deductible if they are direct expenses wholly and exclusively incurred in the production of rental income, such as insurance, quit rent, assessment, interest, and repairs.

Why are initial expenses not deductible?

Initial expenses are not deductible because they are incurred to create the source of rental income and are not incurred in the production of income. Examples include advertising costs, legal fees, and agent’s fees.

Under what conditions are expenses incurred during temporary cessation deductible?


1) The vacant period occurs after it has been let out before.
2) Letting ceases temporarily due to repair or renovation.
3) Absence of tenants for <=2 yrs
4) maintained in good condition and ready to let out

How is the advance rental treated for S4(a) rental income?

Advance rental is taxable in the YA of receipt. Expenses for the advance rental are deductible in the YA it is incurred. This would lead to CYBL

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo