Mechanics first, then aesthetics?

Schedule A is where you show your itemized deductions- you want more of those.

Within each property tab, Column 'A' could be your descriptions of all income/expense line items, and all other columns would be the months, then you could calculate down to arrive at your NOI.

They are only checking to make sure the items in the house work and that there are no safety issues.

Ask if they have any issues that you may be able to address.I treat tenants as customers and have empathy for them - give them some leverage when they fall on hard times - but be firm and let them know that this is your business and you depend on the rent to keep your operation running.There are times when you can supply the tenants with up-grades, Frig, new stove micro wave - with those items supplied you'll be able to increase their rent a little.Treat your tenants with respect - thy are your customers and their rent pays your mortgages and gives you an opportunity for a wonderful cash flow and future retirment.Cheers

Put a key lock on one of the closet doors to store your things you don't want others to use.Have extra stocks of commonly used items like soap, shampoo, lotion.

Now they are asking for the items back.

The only issue with these is if you need to redo siding, roof or other common/shared items, you and your neighbor have to agree on paying for it and coming up with the money.

He's pretty handy but doesn't want a lot of time spent fixing items up or upgrading.

Many items below $2,500 can be expensed rather than capitalized, which also reduces your depreciation recapture later in the life cycle of the property.