Rental properties - travel expenses

What travel expenses can taxpayers with a rental property claim?

Taxpayers can claim:

• preparing the property for new tenants (except for the first tenants);
• inspecting the property during or at the conclusion of tenancy;
• undertaking repairs, where those repairs are a consequence of the damage or wear and tear incurred while being rented out;
• maintenance of the property, such as cleaning and gardening, while it is rented or available for rent;
• collecting the rent; and
• visiting their agent to discuss their rental property.

Domestic travel requiring an overnight stay

A rental property may be located so far from where a taxpayer lives that it would be unreasonable to expect them not to stay near the property overnight when making an inspection.

If this is the sole reason for the trip, they are entitled to claim a deduction for travel expenses incurred in travelling to the rental property.

Where an overnight stay is involved, they would be entitled to claim for meals and accommodation

For more information please contact your Baker Affleck accountant on (07) 5538 3088