If the property was used as a rental / genuinely available for rent only for the period of time, then you should apportion some deductions, e.g. insurance, rates, and depreciation.
You need to apportion expenses where:
- Only part of the property is used as a rental
- The property is used for private purposes for part of the year
- The property is only available to rent for part of the year.
Some costs would still be fully deductible, such as advertising costs, tenant checks, costs to draw up agreements or management fees (covering a specific period).
If the property hasn't been rented for the whole year but was genuinely available for rent, you can still claim your expenses. But you must show that you have been actively advertising, looking for tenants, changing rental strategy, re-considering length of tenancies, weekly rent charged and not unreasonably refusing applications etc.
You are permitted a deduction for legal fees related to purchasing a rental property up to the maximum of $10,000.00 in any tax year. But this will come down to your intention of purchase. If the purpose were to use the property as mixed use (part private, part holiday home), you would need to apportion these costs as well.
You can find some additional information here
Please note that this information is for general use only, and we would recommend that you contact the property tax accountant to help you with your specific situation and help prepare your tax return.
The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not, and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law in New Zealand. If you require legal advice you should seek independent legal counsel. myRent.co.nz does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
