@Sue1915 You may want to make an appointment with a tax professional to get a clear answer on how to complete your schedule E (or C) on Turbotax. In the meantime, this may help.
Improvements are major things attached to the property that would increase resale value. An example would be paving the driveway or replacing the roof. These items are not recoverable expenses but are factored in under depreciation.
Cleaning -- includes the cost of a housekeeper to turnover the property and outdoor maintenance work like mowing and gardens.
Repairs -- the cost of materials, contractor fees -- this would be the cost of purchasing and installing the overhead fan and the deck stairs. This category would also include yearly inspections of equipment (heating, plumbing, etc.) and any expenses related to fixing or replacing such equipment.
Supplies -- consumables relevant to your property -- cleaning products, toilet paper, replacement towels and linens, replacing the small appliances like a new coffeepot, propane for a gas grill, etc.
We keep a spreadsheet of every expense generated by our property and review each item with an eye to the category assignment for taxes. After a while you will know where an expense should go. The key is to remain consistent with your assignment. Best wishes!
