Maintenance & Repairs
Upkeep, vendors, and keeping a home in shape.
Do You Have to Report a Home Sale If the Gain Is Excluded?
The IRS lets you skip reporting a home sale only if you didn't receive Form 1099-S and the entire gain qualifies for the $250,000 or $500,000 exclusion.
Do Home Security Systems Actually Deter Burglars? (Data)
Homes with visible security systems are burglarized 60% less often, and 83% of convicted burglars check for an alarm before breaking in.
DIY or Hire a Pro? A Homeowner's Decision Guide (2024)
Electrical, gas, and structural work almost always needs a licensed pro, while cosmetic fixes under $200 in tools are usually safe to DIY yourself.
Depreciating Land Improvements: Fences, Driveways & More
Fences, driveways, and walkways depreciate over 15 years under MACRS, not the 27.5 years used for the rental building itself.
Depreciating Furniture and Appliances in a Furnished Rental
Furniture and appliances in a furnished rental depreciate over 5 years under MACRS, separate from the 27.5-year schedule for the building itself.
Deducting Unpaid Rent: Why Cash-Basis Landlords Usually Can't
IRC Section 166 requires a bad debt to have first been reported as income, which is why most cash-basis landlords can't deduct unpaid rent.
Deducting Pest Control & Service Contracts: Landlord Tax Guide
Pest control and recurring service contracts are fully deductible operating expenses on Schedule E in the year you pay them, not depreciated.
Deducting Bank & Payment Fees on Rental Income (2024)
Bank fees, ACH charges, and credit card processing costs on rent payments are fully deductible on Schedule E as ordinary business expenses.
Deducting a Home Warranty on a Rental Property: The Rules
A home warranty on a rental property is fully deductible as an ordinary business expense on Schedule E, unlike a warranty on your own home.
Curb Appeal on a Budget: 15 Weekend Fixes Under $200
A gallon of exterior paint costs about $35, and repainting your front door alone can lift a home's perceived value by up to 5%.
Cumulative Voting in HOA Elections: What It Means for Owners
Cumulative voting lets an HOA owner stack all their votes behind one board candidate instead of spreading them across every open seat.
Coverage Gaps in Your Home Policy to Check For (2024)
Most homeowners policies exclude gradual water damage, earth movement, and sewer backup by default, leaving repair bills of $5,000 to $30,000 uncovered.
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