Writing off repairs

[Tim Salla]

All,

My wife and I are going to turn our current home into our first Rental when we move in the next year, or so. 

Our home needs some minor repairs before we rent it out. 

How soon after the repairs are completed do we need to have it rented, in order to potentially write off the expenses? 

Or, would it need to be rented beforehand?

Thanks,

Tim