Cash flow is the number that decides whether a rental is an asset or a second job. Enter your rent and expenses below to see your real monthly and annual cash flow — and how thin the margin actually is once vacancy and maintenance are counted.
Monthly cash flow = gross rent − (mortgage + taxes + insurance + maintenance% + vacancy% + management% + other). Cash-on-cash return divides your annual cash flow by the total cash you invested (down payment + closing + repairs).
Most landlords underestimate vacancy and maintenance. A 5% vacancy allowance is optimistic in slower markets — 8–10% is safer. Maintenance reserves should scale with property age: 5% for newer builds, 10%+ for older housing stock.
Positive cash flow is necessary but not sufficient — compare it to what the same cash earns elsewhere. That’s the cash-on-cash number.
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Most landlords target $100–$300/month per unit after all expenses, or an 8–12% cash-on-cash return. The right number depends on your market and how much appreciation you’re also capturing.
Yes — skipping it makes your numbers look better on paper and worse in your bank account. Even 5% is realistic; budget more in soft rental markets.
10Doors tracks income and expenses automatically across your properties and generates real-time P&L reports — so your cash flow number is always current instead of a one-time estimate.
10Doors automates rent tracking, notices, deposits, and documents for independent landlords. Free for 1 unit.
Manage your property free on 10DoorsThis template is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant law changes and local ordinances may impose additional requirements — verify current state and local rules before serving any notice. Last reviewed September 2026.