Under accrual accounting,rent expense for February 2019 would be recognized on the income statement in February 2019 even though it had been paid for in January of 2019.

Accrual Accounting

An accounting method where revenue and expenses are recorded when they are earned or incurred, regardless of when cash is exchanged.

Rent Expense

The cost incurred by a company to lease property or equipment for business operations, reported as an operating expense.