Rental Property Cash Flow Calculator
Stop ignoring the 'hidden' costs of landlording. Calculate your actual take-home profit after vacancy, maintenance, and capital expenditures.
Total rent collected from all units
Expected % of time the property is empty
Taxes, insurance, HOA, and routine management
Percentage of rent for routine repairs
Percentage of rent for big-ticket items (Roof, HVAC)
Principal and Interest payment
What is the difference between gross cash flow and net cash flow?
Gross cash flow is simply your rental income minus your mortgage payment. Net cash flow is more accurate—it subtracts vacancy losses, operating expenses, and reserves for maintenance and capital expenditures (CapEx). Real investors focus on net cash flow to ensure they aren't losing money to "hidden" costs like leaking roofs or empty months.
How much should I set aside for maintenance and vacancy?
Typical benchmarks: Vacancy (5-10%) depends on your market and tenant turnover. Maintenance/Repairs (5-10%) covers routine fixes (leaky faucets, painting). Capital Expenditures (CapEx) (5-10%) is for big-ticket items like new roofs, HVAC systems, or water heaters. A conservative investor sets aside 15-25% of gross rent for these reserves.
Why should I calculate cash flow after reserves?
Many landlords feel profitable because they have cash in the bank, only to be wiped out by a $10,000 HVAC replacement. By treating reserves as a monthly expense, you build a "savings account" for the property, ensuring that when major repairs happen, the money is already there and your personal finances aren't impacted.
What is a "healthy" net cash flow?
A healthy cash flow varies by goal. For passive income, you want a significant positive number after all reserves. For equity growth (appreciation), a smaller cash flow is acceptable. A general rule is the "1% Rule": monthly rent should be at least 1% of the property purchase price to have a high probability of positive net cash flow.