Can I deduct home office expense for my rental income

The IRS considers rental activities as a passive activity and does not allow the home office deduction. This is the reason why Schedule E does not have a home office deduction.

If you are a real estate professional and report your income and expenses on a Schedule C, then you can use the home office deduction.

 

 

Edited 03/19/2020  |  3:40 PM PST

 

 

Do I have to be self-employed to be able to deduct the home office expense? Can I  be  self-employed for rental property business?

 

I have edited my answer.

Passive income does not qualify for the home office deduction, and the IRS considers rental property income as passive.

 

[Edit: 3/22/2020    |    6:24 pm]