Tax Consultant
790 Points
Posted on 11 June 2026
Yes, GST applies to rent from commercial property (used for business or commercial purposes). Here is the full picture:
FORWARD CHARGE (landlord charges and pays GST):
If the landlord is a registered GST person and is renting commercial property to any tenant , forward charge applies. Landlord collects 18% GST and remits it to the government.
RCM (Reverse Charge Mechanism):
If the landlord is UNREGISTERED and the tenant is a REGISTERED GST person, RCM applies under Notification 13/2017-CT. The tenant pays the GST directly to the government on behalf of the landlord.
REGISTRATION THRESHOLD:
If a landlords aggregate turnover from taxable supplies (commercial rent) crosses Rs 20 lakh per year (Rs 10 lakh for special category states), GST registration becomes mandatory.
RESIDENTIAL VS COMMERCIAL:
- Residential dwelling rented for USE AS RESIDENCE: EXEMPT from GST regardless of amount
- Residential dwelling rented for commercial/office use: Taxable at 18%
- Commercial property rent: Always taxable at 18%
If you are receiving both residential and commercial rent, only the commercial rent counts toward the Rs 20 lakh registration threshold.
For [GST registration and return filing for property owners receiving rental income](https://taxgarden.in/services/gst-registration), Tax Garden handles RCM compliance and landlord GST registration.