Can I deduct rent and utilities paid on a leased apartment while working out of state on temporary jobs

Disclaimer: The materials provided below are informational and should not be relied upon as legal advice. You do not provide sufficient facts. You are likely deducting your mortgage payments on the theory that the house is your primary residence. If you are spending so much time out of state, that brings into question whether your mortgage is still deductible under that theory. Regardless, your out of state living/lodging costs may be considered work expenses. I suggest you go over the facts and circumstances in detail with your CPA, or other tax advisor to protect your legal rights.

No, your out of state rent, utilities and renter's insurance are not deductible unless the leased property is used for business, and even so, you may only deduct only the amount used for business. See: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=168009,00.html

What is your out of state working situation? Contractor? Contractor servicing several clients? Do you keep client records in the out of state apartment (and thus the reason for insurance)? Do you have commercial liability insurance? Do you file a schedule C on the work income? These are the sort of questions that need to be asked.