My rental property burned down in May 2016. Can I claim expenses (mortgage, tax, etc.) while it is being rebuilt by insurance?

[hussey84]

In May 2016 my primary residence burned down in the Fort McMurray wildfire.  In July 2016 I bought a second house which is now my primary residence.  The destroyed house is now being rebuilt and will serve as a rental property.  Can I claim expenses (mortgage, tax, etc) on my rental property while it is being rebuilt and that it is no longer my primary residence?  

[TurboTaxJennifer · Accepted solution]

Expenses related to the rental such as mortgage interest (interest only - not principal), property taxes, etc. are considered "soft costs" until the unit is ready to rent. Soft costs are added to the value of the building in your Capital Cost Allowance calculation.

Here's a link for more information on claiming soft costs:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/t4036/t4036-e.html#P1560_86854