My renter paid for carpet in exchange for rent, do i add the carpet as an asset?

[HelenaC · Accepted solution]

You would add the monthly rental amount, that your tenant normally pays, as rental income and then you would deduct and/or depreciate the carpet. You have to report income to offset the expense/asset.

Per Tips on Rental Real Estate Income, Deductions and Recordkeeping: 

• Expenses paid by tenant occur if your tenant pays any of your expenses. You must include them in your rental income. You can deduct the expenses if they are deductible rental expenses. For example, your tenant pays the water and sewage bill for your rental property and deducts it from the normal rent payment. Under the terms of the lease, your tenant does not have to pay this bill. Include the utility bill paid by the tenant and any amount received as a rent payment in your rental income.

• Property or services received, instead of money, as rent, must be included as the fair market value of the property or services in your rental income. For example, your tenant is a painter and offers to paint your rental property instead of paying rent for two months. If you accept the offer, include in your rental income the amount the tenant would have paid for two months worth of rent.