2012 Tax Changes for Rental Property Expenses ?

[Richard Chang]

Hi BPers,

I saw an accountant state that [b] rental property maintenance expenses
for plumbing repairs and painting may have to capitalized and depreciated over x years instead of a straight expense[/b] in the year it is done.

I know that putting in carpet should be depreciated.

So, if you buy a new stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, heater, a/c then these should be depreciated too ?

Is this something new for 2012 ?
Am I understanding this correctly ?

Please advise.

Best, LA Guy