When this guide is useful
A property moves from personal use into a rental activity.
The distinction that matters
Conversion requires a supported use timeline and basis review. Original purchase price alone may not establish the appropriate depreciation starting point.
A worked situation to investigate
An owner moves out of a home, makes improvements and begins offering it for rent several months later.
The example is illustrative. Begin with the underlying event and its source documents, then separate missing facts from disagreements about their treatment. Work through the checks below in the order that matches your file, rather than treating a completed checklist as a tax conclusion.
Build a traceable handoff
Identify the affected person, entity or property and the relevant period. Keep original evidence, corrections and the reviewer's written conclusion connected. If the facts change after review, preserve the earlier version and ask whether the change affects implementation.