What Rental Expenses Can You Deduct as a Landlord?
Updated 21 days ago (March 6, 2026)
All tax deduction should be regarded as a matter of legislative grace, meaning that they can be performed only if one or more of the tax laws explicitly allow it.
Usually, landlords can deduct three broad categories of rental expenses:
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In most cases, you are not required to indicate in the tax return form which tax law clause entitles you to take a specific deduction. However, if you are audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you will be required to provide a legal basis for each deduction you make. Therefore, if the IRS concludes that your deduction cannot be justified, it can refuse your deduction and charge you taxes and penalties. In summary, read the law carefully before you decide to make a deduction.
Legal Disclaimer: Tellus provides this content for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and locality, and regulations may have changed since this article was published. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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