As a landlord, can I deduct the mileage expense if I cannot claim a home office?

[Ukimagic71]

I record the mileage to and from my rental property, mainly for repairs and maintenance (this includes trips to local hardware stores). I happened to see on a site with a rental property tax deduction list that I can't claim that mileage if I can't claim a home office for my business. Is this the case?

[Vanessa A · Accepted solution]

No. The home office is not a condition of deducting vehicle expenses or claiming the standard mileage deduction. You do not have to have a home office to claim your vehicle expenses, but you can ONLY claim the expenses that are directly related to your rental and not just commuting miles.  

For example, if you have one rental property and you are driving there to do work on it, that would be considered your office so you would not be able to claim the miles to and from your home.  However, if you are running to Lowes or Home Depot or to get parts to repair the home, those miles would also be deductible.  

Rental Property Deductions You Can Take at Tax Time