New GST on Rent: When and Where It Applies

Updated: Sep 11, 2026 10 min read Hitesh Aggarwal Add as preferred source
Quick Summary
  • The gst on rent depends on the type of property and its use. 
  • Residential house rent for personal use is generally not subject to GST, while eligible business-use rent may attract 18% GST under applicable conditions.
  • The rent GST rate for commercial property is generally 18%, subject to applicable GST provisions.
  • Landlords must register for GST if they meet the applicable GST registration requirements based on aggregate turnover, type of supply, and other GST conditions.
  • In specified cases, GST-registered tenants may be liable to pay GST under the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) when renting a residential dwelling from an unregistered landlord.
  • Businesses can claim eligible Input Tax Credit (ITC) on GST paid on rent if the property is used for business purposes and all applicable GST conditions are satisfied.

Renting property is common across residential and commercial sectors in India. But when does GST apply to rent? Is there GST on house rent or only for commercial use? In this blog, we’ll break down the rent hsn code and gst rate when GST applies, and how it affects both landlords and tenants.

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New GST on House Rent in India

GST on rent in India depends on the type of property and its use. Renting property is treated as a supply of service under GST, but not every rental transaction attracts GST.
Even after the GST updates effective from 22 Sep 2025, the tax treatment for house rent remains largely unchanged.

GST on House Rent

Type of Rental

Residential property rented for personal use

GST Applicable

No

New GST Rate (After 22 Sep 2025)

Nil

Old GST Rate (Before 22 Sep 2025)

Nil

Type of Rental

Residential property rented by a GST-registered business

GST Applicable

Yes (RCM)

New GST Rate (After 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Old GST Rate (Before 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Type of Rental

Commercial property rented for business use

GST Applicable

Yes

New GST Rate (After 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Old GST Rate (Before 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Note: Residential houses rented for personal living purposes remain exempt from GST. When a GST-registered business rents a residential property (where RCM applies), GST is payable at 18%. Commercial property rentals continue to attract 18% GST under the applicable forward charge mechanism.

Is Rent Taxable Under GST?

Under GST law , renting out property is considered a supply of service, which can attract GST — but not always.

GST only applies to:

  • Commercial properties rented for business or official use
  • Residential properties rented for commercial purposes
  • Properties rented to registered businesses

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When Does a Landlord Need to Register for GST?

A landlord must register under GST if they meet the applicable GST registration requirements. GST on rental income applies where the rental supply is taxable under GST, such as certain commercial or business-use rentals.

  • Register under GST
  • Charge 18% GST on rent (where applicable)
  • Issue tax invoices
  • File GST returns regularly

How to Calculate GST on Rent

GST on rent is calculated on the taxable rental value.

Formula

GST Amount = Rent × GST Rate ÷ 100

Total Payable = Rent + GST

Example

Monthly office rent: Rs 50,000
GST rate: 18%

GST = 50,000 × 18 ÷ 100 = Rs 9,000

Total rent payable = Rs 59,000

Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) on Rent

If a GST-registered business rents a property from an unregistered landlord, GST is payable by the tenant under the Reverse Charge Mechanism .

The tenant pays the tax directly to the government. This applies mainly to commercial rent situations, not personal rentals.

Input Tax Credit on Rent

Tenants (usually businesses) who pay GST on rent can  claim Input Tax Credit , provided:

  • They are registered under GST
  • The rented premises are used for business
  • The GST invoice is correctly issued
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Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common queries about this topic.

What is the rent GST rate for commercial property?

The standard GST rate on commercial rent is 18%.

Is GST on house rent applicable for residential tenants?

No, if a property is rented solely for residential use, it is exempt from GST.

Does a landlord have to register under GST?

Only if the landlord's total rental income exceeds ₹20 lakh per year across all properties.

Can a tenant claim GST paid on rent?

Yes, if the tenant is a GST-registered business and the rented property is used for business purposes.

Does RCM apply to residential rent?

No. Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) applies only to commercial property rented by a GST-registered tenant from an unregistered landlord.
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Hitesh Aggarwal

Chartered Accountant

As a Chartered Accountant with over 12 years of experience, I am not only skilled in my profession but also passionate about writing. I specialize in producing insightful content on topics like GST, accounts payable, and income tax, confidently delivering valuable information that engages and informs my audience.

MRN: 529770 Delhi