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xbmono(Initiate)Initiate
21 July 2025

I've been living in my own unit and needed to upsize so decided to rent out my unit before moving out. The walls needed to be painted and skirting boards were damaged and needed to be replaced too. There was minor issues too like fixing the broken door handle. Can I claim tax for these?

Thank you

180 views
1 replies
180 views
1 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

KaraATO(Community Support)Community Support
23 July 2025

Hey @xbmono,


We have some info on Initial repairs of an income producing property. If you fix things like a fence or the building itself before you rent out your property, you can’t claim the full cost right away, but you can claim part of the cost each year over 40 years. this is called a capital works deduction.


If you fix things like chipped paint on the walls, skirting boards or an appliance before renting, you can’t claim a deduction for the repair. But if you buy new items to replace them, you can claim a yearly amount as they lose value, this is called capital allowance.


So, if the improvements were required before your property became an investment property (Or an income producing property) then no, you wouldn't be able to claim a deduction for the repairs that existed before you rented out your home.


if you're still unsure, give us a call. Another good option would be seeing a registered tax agent.

All replies

Most helpful reply

KaraATO(Community Support)Community Support
23 July 2025

Hey @xbmono,


We have some info on Initial repairs of an income producing property. If you fix things like a fence or the building itself before you rent out your property, you can’t claim the full cost right away, but you can claim part of the cost each year over 40 years. this is called a capital works deduction.


If you fix things like chipped paint on the walls, skirting boards or an appliance before renting, you can’t claim a deduction for the repair. But if you buy new items to replace them, you can claim a yearly amount as they lose value, this is called capital allowance.


So, if the improvements were required before your property became an investment property (Or an income producing property) then no, you wouldn't be able to claim a deduction for the repairs that existed before you rented out your home.


if you're still unsure, give us a call. Another good option would be seeing a registered tax agent.

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