It is important to understand the income tax implications. Don’t get caught claiming wrong deductions.
Whether you are renting out a room in your house, a basement apartment, or a whole house, you have to report the income on your tax return.
There are very specific rules applicable to deductibility of expenses. Not all expenses are deductible in the year when they are incurred. Some may have to be amortized over a number of years (appliances, for example), while others need to be added to the cost of the property.