Augustana College: When does depreciation begin for a rental property?

DIRECT ANSWER

Source guidance recorded on 2026-10-15. Confirm the applicable policy year, cohort and property jurisdiction before relying on time-sensitive facts. This is general U.S. financial or tax educational guidance from the cited authority; school-specific eligibility, loan terms and an individual tax outcome are not established.

Publication 527 says depreciation begins when the property is placed in service, meaning ready and available for its specific rental use; purchase alone does not establish that date.