Tax deductions before renter moves in?

[John Vollmer]

We are about to move out of our home and rent it out.  If we want to fix it up (replace stove, microwave, A/C unit), are these expenses tax deductible while we are living here?  Our first tenants move in next month.  In other words, should we replace these things after the renters move in for it to be tax deductible?