Property manages utilities bills or do you put it under your name?

Question

Hi, please forgive me as I am new to airBNB.

For tax write offs, what would be best to handle utilities bills? Property manager or doing it yourself?

Joseph Palmiero · Answer

For tax write-off purposes, there is no difference.

Eliott Elias · Answer

It can go either way. If you want to be completely hands off, you will allow the PM to handle those bills. Many Airbnb property managers will leave it to the owner to pay utilities.

Theresa Harris · Answer

I have both. They were initially in my name when I bought it, then we added the PM. The PM makes sure the tenants are paying and if there is a turnover, the PM deals with everything. I get emails if there is an outstanding balance or change over, but the PM handles everything.

Patricia Steiner · Answer

I recommend putting them in your name. Investors need to retain control of their properties even when a PM is engaged. By turning it 'all' over to the PM, it's extremely difficult to regain control should that relationship fail - and they do fail on a regular and routine basis. Also make sure that you have regular communication with the PM so - not only are you well informed - but in order to make it well known that you are an active and ROI oriented owner.

Hope this helps...

Bill B. · Answer

If the PM will do it for free let them do it. I assume this is some weird case where the tenant isn’t responsible for utilities? I usually put all possible in to tenants name. He ones that I can’t (Vegas sewer) I simply forward the bill to my PM who bills them collects the money.

As mentioned, if you’re paying the bill you get to deduct it, fi the tenant’s paying, you don’t. No tax difference. (I.E in my case I can’t write off the ones I pay and get reimbursed or that the tenant pays directly, because the tenant is paying them not me. Except when the property is empty.)

Property manages utilities bills or do you put it under your name?

Property manages utilities bills or do you put it under your name?

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