The replacement of domestic items relief enables landlords to claim tax relief when they replace movable furniture, furnishings, household appliances and kitchenware in a rental property. The allowance is available for the replacement cost of domestic items such as free-standing wardrobes, curtains, carpets, televisions, fridges and crockery.
The amount of the deduction is based on:
There is an important distinction between deciding whether or not a new item represents a replacement or an improvement. Where the new item is an improvement on the old item the allowable deduction is limited to the cost of purchasing an equivalent of the original item.
HMRC’s internal guidance provides an example highlighting that a brand new budget washing machine costing circa £200 is not an improvement over a 5 year old washing machine that cost around £200 at the time of purchase (or slightly less considering inflation).
However, if a replacement item is for a reasonable modern equivalent, for example, a new energy efficient fridge replacing an old fridge, this is not considered an improvement and the full cost of the new item is eligible for relief.