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Tenant Turnover Cost Calculator

Add up the real cost of a tenant turnover: lost rent during vacancy, make-ready (cleaning, paint, flooring, appliances), and re-leasing (marketing, leasing fee, screening).

Vacancy

$

Make-ready

$
$
$
$

Re-leasing

$
$

often 50–100% of one month rent

$

Total turnover cost

$5,908

2.7 months of rent

Lost rent during vacancy

$2,053

Make-ready costs

$1,400

Re-leasing costs

$2,455

Why turnover is so expensive

A turnover that lands at 2.7 months of rent is normal in many markets. That's why retaining a good tenant — even at slightly below-market rent — is often more profitable than chasing a small rent bump that triggers a turnover.

The cheapest move is reducing turnover frequency: respond fast to maintenance, communicate well, and offer a small renewal incentive to retain tenants who pay on time.

How to Use

  1. Enter monthly rent and the days the unit will be vacant between tenants.
  2. Itemize make-ready costs: cleaning/repairs, paint, carpet/flooring, appliances.
  3. Enter re-leasing costs: marketing, your property manager's leasing fee (often 50–100% of one month's rent), and any screening costs you absorb.
  4. Read the total — and compare to the rent bump you'd give up by retaining the existing tenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a typical turnover cost?

1.5–3 months of rent is common in most US markets. Higher in tight rental markets (long vacancy), lower in fast-leasing markets with low turnover prep needed.

Should I bump rent and risk a turnover?

Run the math: a $100/mo rent increase on a stable tenant earns $1,200/year. A turnover often costs $4,000–$8,000. Bumping rent is worth it only if the tenant will accept it or if you're behind market by a meaningful amount.

How do I reduce turnover frequency?

Respond fast to maintenance, communicate clearly, screen for tenants planning long stays, and offer modest renewal incentives (small rent freeze, free carpet cleaning, gift card).

Is the leasing fee worth it?

If a property manager handles leasing, the leasing fee is the price of someone else doing the work. If you self-manage, the 'leasing fee' is your time — count it honestly when comparing PM costs to DIY.

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