UK Rental Income Tax: Why 31 January Is a Deadline Every Landlord Must Remember

2026-01-13

If you receive rental income from property in the UK, there is one date you should never overlook: 31 January.

This deadline, set by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), applies to landlords living in the UK and overseas. Missing it can result in penalties, interest charges, and unnecessary complications. Below is a clear and practical explanation of what the deadline means and how it applies to you.

What Is the 31 January Tax Deadline?

The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April. For rental income earned during that period, 31 January is the deadline to:

Submit your Self Assessment tax return to HMRC
Pay any tax due for that tax year

It is important to understand that 31 January is both a filing deadline and a payment deadline. Submitting your return on time does not protect you from penalties if payment is late.

Who Needs to File a Tax Return for UK Rental Income?

UK Residents

If you live in the UK long-term, including as a student or someone accompanying a family member, and you owned a rental property that produced income in the previous tax year, you are required to file a Self Assessment tax return by 31 January.

This applies even if:

The property made no profit
Allowable expenses reduced your taxable income to zero

If rental income was received, a tax return is still required.

Non-Resident Landlords

If you live outside the UK and are not considered a UK tax resident, you may fall under the Non-Resident Landlord (NRL) Scheme.

Under this scheme:

A letting agent or tenant may deduct 20% basic rate tax from the rent before paying you
The deducted tax is paid to HMRC on your behalf

However, this does not automatically remove your obligation to file a tax return. Many non-resident landlords still need to submit a return in order to:

Declare rental income
Reconcile tax already deducted
Claim allowable expenses or refunds where applicable

No Profit Does Not Mean No Reporting

A common misunderstanding among landlords is that no profit means no tax return is required. This is incorrect.

Even if:

Mortgage interest, service charges, or maintenance costs exceeded rental income, or
You made an overall loss

You may still be required to submit a tax return if rental income was received above HMRC reporting thresholds. Income matters for reporting purposes, not just profit.

31 January Is Also the Payment Deadline

Another frequent mistake is assuming that payment can be made later than filing. This is not the case.

If your Self Assessment return shows tax due, HMRC must receive the payment by 31 January. Payments sent on the deadline but received late may still be treated as overdue.

Late payment can result in:

Interest being charged
Late payment penalties
Further enforcement action

Practical Advice for Landlords

Keep clear records of rental income and expenses throughout the year
Do not wait until January to prepare your return
Register for Self Assessment in advance if you are new to the system
If you are a non-resident landlord, confirm whether tax deductions fully cover your liability or whether a return is still required

If you are unsure about your position, professional tax advice is strongly recommended.

Final Reminder

If you have UK rental income, 31 January is a critical date, whether you live in the UK or overseas. It is the deadline to both file your tax return and pay any tax owed.

Staying compliant protects you from penalties and ensures your property investment remains well-managed.