The short answer
Buildings, contents, landlord liability and rent guarantee insurance for the let property are all allowable, in box 24.
It's a revenue cost of running the letting, so it reduces your taxable rental profit at your top rate of tax.
What you can and can't claim
| You can claim | You can't claim |
|---|---|
| Buildings insurance (including through a service charge) | Insurance on your own home |
| Contents insurance for items you provide | Life insurance or payment protection on your mortgage |
| Rent guarantee and legal expenses insurance |
Worked example
Landlord buildings and liability insurance costs £350 a year. Claim it in box 24. If a policy pays out for lost rent, put the payout in box 20.
| Your tax band | Saving 2026/27 | Saving 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic rate | £70 | £84 |
| Higher rate | £140 | £154 |
| Additional rate | £158 | £172 |
Savings assume the whole amount is taxed at your top rate. Use the landlord tax calculator for your exact figure.
Where it goes on your tax return
On the UK property pages (SA105), enter it in box 24 (rent, rates, insurance, ground rents etc). Online, it's the matching question in the property section. Our SA105 helper sorts all your costs into the right boxes.
Repair or improvement: how HMRC decides
A repair restores something to its previous condition, even if modern materials make it a bit better. An improvement adds something new or makes it significantly better, and is capital. Timing also matters from 2027: a cost paid before 6 April 2027 saves tax at 20%/40%/45%, after that at 24%/44%/49%. See all landlord expenses A to Z.
Frequently asked questions
Is rent guarantee insurance tax deductible?
Yes. Payouts from it are taxable rental income.
Is life insurance for the mortgage allowable?
No. Only insurance relating to the property and the letting is allowable.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Work out your rental income when you let property
- HMRC: UK property notes (SA105 Notes 2025)
- HMRC Property Income Manual: repairs, replacements and allowable costs
Sources last checked 10 November 2026. See all our sources and how we keep pages up to date.