Live In Flip and Writing Off Expenses

[Sam Scogin]

I've recently purchased a four unit with the intention of living in one of the units and renovating it (and the rest of the house), but I only plan on living there for a year or so (I have another house I'll use as a primary residence after). My question is: is there any way to write off the expenses of renovation to my own unit on my taxes? It's almost a total gut job with some major pieces that will need to be done to bring it up to code. Can I write off any part of it while I'm living there or should I hold off until I'm no longer living there?

[Natalie Kolodij]

You wouldn't get to write off most of a total cut even if you're not living there. 

You will capitalize the renovations on that unit- and once you move out and that unit is placed in service as a rental the depreciable basis will be that much higher (increased by the renovations)