Property management in Bangladesh, for landlords and non-resident owners, covers the administration of rented flats, houses and commercial space: written tenancy agreements, rent collection records, receipts, holding tax to the City Corporation or Pourashava, land development tax, service charges and utilities, plus correct reporting of rental income and tax deducted at source on rent in the owner's income tax return.
Property management in Bangladesh is often left to a relative or caretaker, which works until something goes wrong: a tenant stops paying, holding tax arrears accumulate, a corporate tenant deducts tax at source that the owner never claims, or the tax office asks how rental income was calculated. Owners abroad feel this most.
This page is for individual landlords, NRBs and families with one or more rental properties. We handle the administrative, record-keeping and tax side and coordinate with caretakers, building management committees and your lawyer. We are not a real estate brokerage and do not find tenants; company-owned property portfolios are covered under asset and property management.
On this page
Who needs property management support?
- Non-resident Bangladeshis renting out flats in Dhaka, Chattogram or Sylhet
- Families with several rental units across members' names
- Owners leasing space to companies, banks or NGOs that deduct tax at source
- Landlords of commercial units where VAT on rent and VDS apply
- Owners inheriting rented property who need records put in order
Tenancy agreements and rent records
A written agreement protects both sides. It should state rent, advance, increase terms, service charges, utilities, repair responsibilities and notice periods, and leases above certain durations need registration and stamp duty under the Registration Act 1908 and the Stamp Act 1899. The Premises Rent Control Act 1991 also applies to residential and commercial tenancies.
Monthly rent should ideally be received through a bank, with receipts issued and a ledger maintained per unit. These records feed directly into the tax return and help in any dispute.
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Rates, land tax and building charges
- Holding tax to Dhaka North or South City Corporation, other City Corporations or the Pourashava
- Land development tax (khajna) to the Union or Upazila land office, now payable online for many holdings
- Building service charges to the owners' association or management committee
- Utility bills for WASA, gas and electricity, with meter readings agreed with tenants
- Insurance renewal for the building or unit where applicable
Rental income tax and TDS on rent
Rental income is taxable under the Income Tax Act 2023 as income from house property, with allowable deductions for items such as repairs, rates and interest on loans within statutory limits. When the tenant is a company or certain other specified entities, tax is deducted at source from rent at the rate set by the current Finance Act, and the tenant should give a certificate. Owners must report gross rent and claim credit for that TDS in their return, and include the property in the statement of assets and liabilities.
For commercial premises, VAT on rent may apply, and certain tenants deduct VAT at source and should issue a Mushak 6.6 certificate.
Common landlord mistakes
- Renting without a written agreement or with an unregistered long lease
- Accepting cash rent without receipts or records
- Failing to collect TDS certificates from corporate tenants
- Letting holding tax arrears build until a notice or penalty arrives
- Declaring rental income inconsistent with the tenant's own records
How the process works
- Property reviewWe list each unit, owner, tenant, agreement and outstanding dues.
- Document clean-upWe help update tenancy agreements and collect missing receipts and certificates.
- Payments calendarWe set a calendar for rent, holding tax, land tax, service charges and renewals.
- Monthly recordsWe maintain rent ledgers, receipts and expense records per property.
- Annual tax reportingWe prepare the rental income schedule and TDS credits for your income tax return.
Typical timeline: Putting records in order for a few properties usually takes two to four weeks, depending on how much documentation exists; ongoing administration then runs monthly with an annual tax pack.
How Tax & VAT Associates helps
- Rental property register with tenant and agreement details
- Tenancy agreement checklist and coordination with your lawyer
- Rent ledger, receipts and monthly owner statements
- Holding tax, land development tax and service charge calendar
- Collection of TDS and VDS certificates from tenants
- Rental income schedule for your annual income tax return
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay tax on rental income in Bangladesh if I live abroad?
Income from property located in Bangladesh is generally taxable in Bangladesh regardless of where the owner lives. Non-residents may have different rates and filing considerations, and a double taxation agreement may affect relief in the country of residence, so the position should be checked individually.
My corporate tenant deducts tax from rent. What should I do?
Ask for the tax deduction certificate for each payment or for the year. Report the gross rent in your return and claim the deducted amount as a credit. Without certificates, the credit can be hard to claim and you may end up paying twice.
Do you find tenants for my property?
No. We are not a real estate broker. We manage the paperwork, payments, records and tax side, and can coordinate with a broker or caretaker you appoint to find and screen tenants.
Where do I pay holding tax?
Holding tax is paid to the City Corporation or Pourashava where the property is located, such as Dhaka North or Dhaka South City Corporation. Many now accept online payment. Keep receipts, as they are needed for sales, mutations and sometimes for tax filings.
Does VAT apply to rent?
VAT generally applies to rent of commercial space such as shops and offices under the VAT and SD Act 2012, while residential rent is typically treated differently. Some tenants must deduct VAT at source. The applicable treatment depends on the use and current rules, so check before signing.
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Learn more →Last reviewed: . Bangladesh tax and regulatory rules change with each Finance Act, SRO and authority circular. This page is general guidance; confirm current requirements for your case before filing.