What can I deduct as income-related expenses?

All expenses incurred in connection with the rented property can be deducted as income-related expenses. These include in particular the following costs:

• Administrative costs
• Costs for estate agents, service charges, advertisements or a rental service
• Interest on a loan
• Depreciation
• Property tax
• Bank charges, overdraft interest etc.
• Insurance (liability, fire, water etc.)
• Electricity costs for house lighting
• Heating and hot water
• Costs for sewage, waste disposal, chimney sweep, street cleaning
• Caretaker costs (also property management and cleaning)
• Trips to the property, estate agent or owners' meeting
• Cosmetic repairs

Additional costs that you settle with your tenants can only be declared as income-related expenses in your tax return if you also enter them as income from renting and leasing.