I wanted to know can I add the utility bills to the rental property that I was paying, even if nobody was living there at the moment. Kept them on to get repairs done.

[PeterM · Accepted solution]

Yes. From what you've said, those are operating expenses of the rental.

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Idle Property

Continue to claim a deduction for depreciation on property used in your rental activity even if it is temporarily idle (not in use). For example, if you must make repairs after a tenant moves out, you still depreciate the rental property during the time it is not available for rent. 

An expense.