Should housemates' rent be claimed as income?

[Cynthia Hartley]

Hi all,

Can/Should a homeowner with housemates claim the income (rent) and a portion of expenses (landscape maintenance, cleaning service, utilities, home repairs) on taxes as a business expense, if it is the homeowner's primary residence? If so, are there any benefits to showing the income/expenses on tax returns for future investment property financing?

Thanks.