Luis Boza Architect
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Tool
What an accessory dwelling unit could earn.

Rent varies block to block, so this uses your own numbers rather than a citywide average. Move the sliders to your best estimate and see the rough payback timeline.

Estimated construction cost
$120,000
$40k$350k
Expected monthly rent
$1,800
$800$4,000
Vacancy allowance
8%
0%20%

The share of the year the unit sits empty between tenants - turnover, repairs, finding the next renter. 5-8% is typical for a stable rental; go higher if you expect shorter tenant stays or more time between leases.

Uses your own inputs, not a market average - rent varies too much block to block for a single citywide number to mean anything. Does not include property tax changes, insurance, maintenance, or financing cost, which affect the real return. An honest planning estimate, not a pro forma.

How This Adds Up
Monthly rent × 12
$0
minus vacancy allowance
Effective annual rent
$0
against construction cost
Payback timeline
-
Next step

Before the numbers matter, the real question is whether your property can support an accessory dwelling unit at all.

See the eligibility checker →