Duplex Rental - Intex Pool

[PrestonRichmond]

I own a duplex where I live in one half, and renters live on the other half. Traditionally I am able to claim half the lawn care expenses. Last year I bought a Walmart Intex pool 22x52 ($600). It will probably only last 3 or 4 years before its rusts out. But I paid to have a lawn care company to level out the area, and also bought the sand for the base, and the pump and supplies.

Since this is most likely a temporary pool for a couple of years before i have to buy another, am I able to claim any or half of all the expenses including the purchase of the pool, or just its supplies, or none?

[LeonardS · Accepted solution]

Yes, the pool would be an expense.  If asked by the IRS you will need to prove that a portion of the pool is truly an expense for the duplex and not specifically for your personal use.  Whatever percentage of use is allocated to the duplex can be used to determine the deductible expense of the pool, its installation, and operating expenses.

[PrestonRichmond]

Thank you for your answer. 

Follow-up question.  The renters do use the pool. But if asked by the IRS how would I prove that?

[LeonardS]

Include in your rental contract that the tenants have use of the pool.