Taxation – Deduction of repair costs

Hi there,

I have a rental property in Sydney and I live a frugal life in a cheaper country from rental income. When tenants recently vacated the premises major repairs were required before the property could be occupied. These were done post haste and the final bill for painting walls, replacement of damaged carpet, kitchen doors, bathroom vanity, broken tiles, mirrors, a window etc came to $7,800.

The income I will receive for this financial year is minimal, and I doubt very much that I will actually achieve an assessable income great enough to break through the threshold.

I read an ATO document ‘Rental-properties-2017’ and my understanding is that I should claim this amount as a deduction within the taxation year that the costs were incurred. Is my thinking correct?

Any and all assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Haroldo