topic Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property? in Investors & landlords

Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

pearl12970 — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:17:28 GMT

We removed carpets from two bedrooms and installed hardwood in both rooms. Is this considered an improvement or repair? Can I write this off as an expense?

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

Anonymous_ — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 07:24:22 GMT

If you could manage to get invoices for each room, or both, for $2,500 or less, you could deduct the entire amount under the de minimis safe harbor.

Otherwise, the installation of hardwood floors is on the order of an improvement.

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

pearl12970 — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:51:54 GMT

$2500 for each room or both rooms cumulatively? How may I deduct the entire amount under the de minimis safe harbor? I didn't come across that option yet on Turbotax.

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

Anonymous_ — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 01:28:16 GMT

$2,500 per invoice or item.

You will see the option in TurboTax in the Assets/Depreciation section.

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

pearl12970 — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 02:07:33 GMT

So if I have two invoices - one for $2000 and another for $1359, can I write off both?

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

Anonymous_ — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 07:00:55 GMT

@pearl12970 wrote:

So if I have two invoices - one for $2000 and another for $1359, can I write off both?

Yes.

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

pearl12970 — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 07:23:03 GMT

Thank you so much for the clarification.

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

pearl12970 — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:28:25 GMT

on Turbotax,it asks me how would you like to categorize this asset?

Residential Rental Real Estate

Appliances, carpet,furnishings,

Land improvements.

Which category should I select for hardwood flooring?

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

Anonymous_ — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:31:26 GMT

You would not enter the hardwood floors as an asset; you would enter the cost as an expense.

There is a screen that asks whether you made a purchase of $2,500 or less.

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

Anonymous_ — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:26:58 GMT

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

pearl12970 — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:25:51 GMT

Yes that is what I opted for and this was the next screen that came up

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

Anonymous_ — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:27:35 GMT

Yes, good.

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

pearl12970 — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:28:10 GMT

Not sure if it makes a difference but i am using Turbotax Premier not Home & Business

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

pearl12970 — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:29:06 GMT

This is the next screen

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

Anonymous_ — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:29:06 GMT

It should not make a difference.

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

pearl12970 — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:30:46 GMT

As you can see below it prompts me to enter it as an asset ( please see blue button)

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

pearl12970 — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:34:37 GMT

And once I enter it as an asset this is the next screen. I have no option to enter it an an expense.

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

VolvoGirl — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:36:34 GMT

Isn't there another button like on the bottom right to continue or done? Just skip the add an asset. And make sure to add it as an expense.

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

Anonymous_ — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:43:58 GMT

@pearl12970 wrote:

And once I enter it as an asset this is the next screen. I have no option to enter it an an expense.

Do not enter it as an asset. Enter it as expense.

Once you indicate everything you bought cost $2,500 or less (on that screen) you should be done.

Go back to Expenses and enter the cost in that section under Miscellaneous Expense.

Re: Is new hardwood floor installation considered a repair or improvement for rental property?

pearl12970 — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:51:46 GMT

Ah! Okay- now I get it. Thank you so much for clarifying.I appreciate it so much!

Is this the correct screen to enter it?