rent expense

Under the accrual basis of accounting, the account Rent Expense will report the cost of occupying space during the time interval indicated in the heading of the income statement, whether or not the rent was paid within that period. (Rent that has been paid in advance is shown on the balance sheet in the current asset account Prepaid Rent.) Depending upon the use of the space, Rent Expense could appear on the income statement as part of administrative expenses or selling expenses. If the rented space was used to manufacture goods, the rent would be part of the cost of the products produced.