30 Tax Write-Offs for Landlords & Real Estate Investors

Icon check
Reviewed by
a tax professional

As a landlord, you understand the value of passive income and low-effort earnings. So you’ll love when we tell you that there’s a simple way to turn your business expenses into savings, without any extra effort on your part! Ready?

Simply write off the expenses your business runs into every day. By claiming the following write-offs for landlords, you’ll put those bills to work for you, making them earn their keep by lowering your overall tax bill. It’s the closest you can get to charging your expenses rent!

👋
Tenant acquisition fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 10

Fees you pay to get new tenants, like advertising or realtor commissions, can be deducted.

🛠️
Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

🏡
Property taxes
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 23

You can write off the property tax you pay on your investment properties.

💸
Mortgage interest
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 16a

The mortgage interest you pay each month for an investment property is considered a write-off.

📉
Property depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

Every year, you can write off the depreciation of your properties on your taxes.

🔌
Utilities
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Utility bills, like electricity, gas, and water for the property, can be written off

🤝
Contracted help
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

Freelancers, contractors, or other services that help you run your business are tax-deductible.

🏘️
Property management fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

If you pay a management company to take care of your property, you can write off their fees.

🧮
Accountant fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 17

Do you pay a professional to audit your financial records and take care of your tax planning? Their fees are a write-off.

🏦
Bank fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 10

If you pay extra for a business bank account or business credit card, any interest or fees you incur can be written off.

🧰
Maintenance or redesign
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

Write off anything related to keeping your rental space safe and cozy!

🔑
Lockboxes & keys
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

You can write off lockboxes and spare keys you keep outside the property so people can check in without you there.

☂️
Property insurance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Insurance premiums for the property — including liability insurance — can be written off.

💰
Loan fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 10

Loan-related fees, like credit checks and appraisals, can be tax write-offs.

Estimate tax saving

Track and claim every eligible deduction with Keeper

Keeper is the top-rated all-in-one business expense tracker, tax filing service, and personal accountant.

If you drive for work ...

Landlords who use their car for work, like to show or visit a property, or to meet with a tenant, real estate agent, or property management company, can write off car expenses from their taxable income.

🅿️
Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

🛣️
Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

🚘
Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

🧰
Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

☂️
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

🔧
Car maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

The business meal deduction allows landlords to write off the cost of food or drink as long as they're bought for work purposes.So if you grab a coffee and muffin while chatting about potential partnerships with fellow landlords, mortgage brokers, real estate investors, or tenants, you can write it off.

🍔
Business meals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24b

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

Many costs associated with business trips are tax-deductible.

For instance, if you rent a car to visit an out-of-town property that needs repairs and need to spend a night in a hotel, you can write off the costs of both your transportation and lodging.

🛫
Transportation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

🏨
Travel lodging
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.

🥡
Meals while traveling
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

If you regularly use a portion of your home for business, like to schedule property maintenance and repairs or to advertise vacant properties, you can write off home office expenses.

🛋️
Home office furniture
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

🛠️
Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

🔌
Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

🌪️
Property insurance
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

🚰
Water bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.

🌐
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 25

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!