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Rental Property Tax Checklist

Updated: June 2026 5 min read
Quick Overview: Landlords must declare all rental income and can deduct bond interest, rates, insurance, maintenance, and agent commissions.
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Andre van Niekerk

Registered Tax Practitioner, Admin Boss

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Table of Contents
  1. Quick Answer
  2. Income Documentation
  3. Expense Records
  4. Capital Improvements vs Repairs
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answer

SARS requires you to keep all tax-related documents for at least 5 years from the date of assessment.

Income Documentation

Keep rental agreements, tenant payment records, and bank statements showing all rental deposits received. Declare every cent of rental income.

Expense Records

Gather bond interest certificates, municipal rates and tax invoices, insurance premium receipts, maintenance invoices, and agent commission statements.

Capital Improvements vs Repairs

Maintenance and repairs are deductible immediately. Capital improvements that increase property value are not deductible against rental income but add to your base cost for CGT.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must I keep these documents?

SARS requires you to keep all tax-related documents for at least 5 years from the date of assessment.

Can Admin Boss help me prepare?

Yes. Admin Boss is a registered tax practice that can help organise your documents and ensure nothing is missed. Visit adminboss.co.za/need-more-info/.

What happens if I miss a document?

Contact the issuer and request a duplicate. For bank statements, download from online banking. Missing documents may result in denied deductions.

Need Help With Your Tax?

Admin Boss is a registered tax practice with over 20 years of experience helping South African individuals and businesses navigate SARS.