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What Do I Do If I Would Prefer to Pay for Repair Bills Separately Instead of Having the Repair Bills Deducted From Rental Income?

Because repairs are paid through a regulated trust account, the method of payment must still follow trust accounting rules.

Audience: property owners who want more direct control over how repair expenses are paid rather than having them automatically deducted from rental income.

Yes this preference can usually be accommodated, but it needs to be handled intentionally and in advance.

Here’s how owners who prefer separate payment typically handle it.

FAQs ❓

Can I just reimburse MoveZen after the repair is paid?
No. Repairs cannot be paid first and reimbursed later.

Can I pay the vendor directly myself?
Sometimes, but this depends on the situation and must be coordinated in advance.

Does this delay repairs?
Not if the payment plan is set up early.

Is this common?
Yes especially for large or owner-preferred vendors.

Why Repairs Are Normally Deducted From Rent ⚖️

By default, repairs are deducted from rental income because this:

  • Keeps accounting simple

  • Prevents unpaid invoices

  • Ensures compliance

  • Provides a clear audit trail

That said, owner-paid repairs are allowed when handled correctly.

Option 1: Owner Contribution Before the Repair (Most Common) ✔️

If you want to pay separately but keep things simple:

  1. Owner sends funds in advance

  2. Funds are posted as an Owner Contribution

  3. Repair bill is paid from the trust balance

  4. Rental income is unaffected

This is the cleanest and most compliant approach.

Option 2: Owner Pays Vendor Directly (Limited Use) 🧾

In some cases, owners may:

  • Pay a vendor directly

  • Use a preferred contractor

  • Cover specialized work

This typically requires:

  • Advance coordination

  • Clear scope approval

  • Proper documentation

Not all repairs are eligible for this option.

What Cannot Be Done 🚫

MoveZen cannot:

  • Pay repairs without available funds

  • Reimburse owners after the fact

  • Pay vendors and “settle up later”

  • Deduct expenses retroactively

These restrictions exist to protect trust compliance.

How This Appears on Your Statement 📄

Depending on the method used:

  • Owner-funded repairs show as a contribution + expense

  • Owner-paid vendor work may not appear as a trust expense

  • Notes or documentation may reference the work completed

This keeps records accurate and audit-ready.

When Owners Typically Choose This Option 💡

This approach is common for:

  • Large capital improvements

  • Owner-preferred vendors

  • Insurance-related repairs

  • Planned upgrades

It’s less common for routine maintenance.

A Helpful Owner Perspective 

Instead of thinking:

“I don’t want repairs deducted from rent”

Think:

“What’s the cleanest way to fund this repair up front?”

That framing avoids delays and compliance issues.