In 2023, we purchased a duplex to eventually rent one of the two units. Both units required work and we have no rental income. Can we still deduct costs for rental unit?

To be clear, we reside in one of the two units and we plan to rent out the other unit. I'm aware we can only deduct the portion of our costs allocated to the rental unit. My questioning is whether we need to have rental income in the year in order to be eligible to make the deduction.