What If I Can't Find A Paying Renter?

[Grace Esteban]

I decided to rent my unit to supplement my income this year but the market in the Bay Area is saturated right now. I paid premium placement for my rental ads but I can't get any good leads. Can I start deducting, rental expenses (e.g. ads, mortgage interest, property tax, etc) when I file my tax next year? The unit is empty since March (basically the start of shelter-in-place).

I would love to schedule a meeting with a good CPA recommended by landlords here. Thank you.