I made repairs to a home that I tried to rent out but couldn’t get a tenant (I haven’t lived in this home). Can I deduct the repairs?

The cost of repairs and maintenance for a rental property is deductible as long as the property has been held for rental at a fair rental price. However, because there was no rent, the net loss (expenses in excess of income) is subject to the passive activity loss rules. Unless you qualify as a real estate professional, losses generally are limited to passive activity income for the year; excess losses carryover. However, you may qualify for the $25,000 loss deduction limit for property in which you actively participate.