Can I Claim Travel to My Rental Property in the UK?

Yes, you can claim travel expenses to your rental property in the UK—but only if the journey is made solely for rental-related purposes, such as inspections, maintenance, or dealing with tenants. This article explains what HMRC allows, what you can’t claim, and how to document your travel properly.

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Which Travel Expenses Are Allowable for UK Landlords?

According to HMRC guidance, landlords may deduct travel expenses that are necessary for managing their rental property. Allowable travel includes:

• Routine property inspections
• Overseeing or conducting repairs
• Meeting with tenants or contractors
• Handling legal, compliance, or safety issues

Examples of Expenses You Can Claim

• Car mileage (using HMRC’s approved rate—currently 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles per year)
• Public transport (train, bus, tram fares)
• Parking charges (excluding fines)
• Road tolls or congestion zone fees

What Travel Costs Are Not Allowed?

• Trips that are partly or fully personal
• Journeys made to purchase or sell the property (considered capital expenses)
• Commuting between your home and a regular office (if you use one)
• Travel without proper documentation or logs

How to Claim Travel Costs for Rental Purposes

If you want to claim travel expenses, you must:

1. Keep a detailed travel log (date, reason, address, mileage or cost)
2. Apply the correct mileage rate or claim actual transport costs
3. Retain all receipts or proof of payment
4. Include the expenses in your Self Assessment tax return

Example Claim

If you drive 700 miles in a tax year solely for rental-related tasks:

700 miles × £0.45 = £315 can be claimed as a deductible expense.

🧠 Personal Tip

If the trip wouldn’t have happened without the rental property, it’s likely to be an allowable expense. Always separate personal travel from business travel, and never round up or estimate loosely—HMRC may ask for detailed records.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

Can I claim travel costs if I live abroad?

You can claim travel within the UK for rental-related purposes. However, international flights or accommodation related to your visit are generally not deductible.

Can I claim fuel instead of mileage?

If you use your personal vehicle, HMRC recommends claiming mileage using the standard rate. Direct fuel cost claims are usually only acceptable when using a company vehicle.

Is travel to furnish or decorate the property deductible?

If the property is already being rented, such travel may be deductible. Travel to initially furnish a newly acquired property is not usually allowable.

Can I claim a trip where I visited multiple properties?

Yes, as long as all travel was for rental management purposes. You can divide the mileage or costs proportionally between the properties.

Need More Help?

If you’re managing multiple properties, living abroad, or unsure whether your trips qualify, it’s a good idea to consult a tax professional. This ensures you’re fully compliant with HMRC rules and don’t miss out on valid deductions.

Stay informed about UK travel and property-related topics—browse more articles on our blog at visaeta.uk.

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