Vacancy & Turnover Cost Calculator
See the real cost of vacancy · Understand turnover impact · Protect your cash flow
Rent & Vacancy
Typical: 14-30 days
Avg: 0.5-1 for annual leases
Turnover Costs
Deep clean between tenants
Paint touch-up, minor fixes
Photography, ads, etc.
Typical: 50-100% of first month rent
Cash Flow Context
OptionalAdd your mortgage and investment to see the impact on your cash-on-cash return.
Principal & interest only
Down payment + closing + rehab
Reducing Vacancy & Turnover Costs
Price rent competitively
Overpricing by $50-100/month can add 2-4 weeks of vacancy. A one-month vacancy at $1,500 costs more than 12 months of being $50 under market.
Start marketing before move-out
List the property 30-45 days before the current tenant vacates. Schedule showings during the notice period (with tenant permission and proper notice).
Screen tenants thoroughly
A longer-term tenant means fewer turnovers. Verify income (3x rent), check rental history, run credit and background checks. The best tenants stay 3-5+ years.
Offer lease renewal incentives
A modest rent increase (3-5%) with a small incentive (new appliance, fresh paint) is far cheaper than a full turnover that costs $3,835.
Use durable materials
LVP flooring, semi-gloss paint, and solid-surface countertops reduce turnover repair costs. Carpet replacement alone can run $1,500-3,000 per turnover.
Vacancy Impact
Total Annual Vacancy Cost
$3,835
21vacancy days/year · 1 turnover
Cost Per Turnover
Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Effective Gross Income
$16,950
/year
Cash-on-Cash Return Impact
Most investors underestimate vacancy costs. A single turnover at $3,835 can wipe out 9 months of cash flow. Always budget for vacancy in your proforma.
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