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Level 3
April 17, 2023
Question

Can my multi-unit property be eligible for Safe Harbor deduction if I live in one of the units?

  • April 17, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views

The requirement "the property was not used as a residence for an part of the year" is a little ambiguous. The rental units were not used as a residence, and I allocate only the expenses from those units and allocate per square footage for any building expenses (like roof patching.)  Why would this be any different than someone owning a couple condos (which would clearly not have been used as a residence.)

Thank you in advance.

1 reply

PatriciaV
Level 15
April 18, 2023

Yes, the Safe Harbor elections are available for a multi-unit property, even if the owner lives in one of the units. There is no provision regarding the property being used as a residence for any part of the year. 

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Level 3
April 18, 2023

KrisD15
Level 15
April 18, 2023

Although you live in a unit that is connected to the rentals, that provision is referring to a "Mixed use" property, where something is rental one day, but personal use another. 

Since you keep your unit and the expenses for your unit separate from your rentals, never sharing a rental with personal usage, you could use the Safe Harbor rules if you meet the other requirements. 

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