Good property records make maintenance easier and give your accountant the evidence needed to assess reporting and deductions. Tax treatment depends on the owner, the property's use and the nature of the expense.
Keep a consistent file
- Lease or booking records and a dated record of rental receipts.
- Invoices, payment evidence and contractor details.
- Insurance, utilities, financing and property-related statements.
- A record of personal use and changes in occupancy or use.
- Separate descriptions of routine work and substantial improvements.
Ask before assuming a deduction
Give your accountant the original documents and explain what the work involved. Do not label every improvement a repair or assume that all property-care costs are deductible. The CRA rental-income guide is a useful starting point.
Short-term rentals
Check the distinction between rental and business income and the rules affecting non-compliant short-term rentals. Provincial registration definitions and federal tax definitions may differ, so avoid applying one test to every purpose.
Owners living outside Canada
Obtain advice about non-resident rental-income obligations before rent is collected. Ask specifically about withholding, remittances, agency arrangements and whether section 216 or NR6 procedures apply. A routine property-care arrangement does not automatically establish a tax-agent relationship.
Before a sale or change of use
Speak to your accountant early. Keep historical acquisition, improvement and use records available rather than waiting until a transaction is complete.
Official resources
Related advice
Need a local contact while you’re away?
Discuss property check-ins, seasonal monitoring or coordination of agreed work with Annapolis Royal Property Care. Confirm the scope and availability for your property.
Prepared 21 October 2026. General information for property owners; official sources and individual policy or professional advice govern specific decisions. External links are independent of ARPC.