Vacancy is one of the biggest drags on rental property returns. This calculator shows the true cost of empty units in Alabama — pre-filled with Alabama average rents ($1,315/mo) and vacancy rate (10.1%).
Avg Cap Rate
7.2%
Median Price
$281K
Property Tax
0.37%
Vacancy Rate
10.1%
Local Factors
Total Vacancy Cost
$7,875
$656/mo lost
What does this mean?
A vacancy rate of 7–12% is above average. This could indicate a soft rental market, above-market rents, or properties that need updates. Investigate whether rent adjustments or improvements could reduce turnover.
Vacancy loss is the income you don't collect when units sit empty between tenants. It's the gap between what a property could earn at full occupancy (Gross Potential Rent) and what it actually collects.
What vacancy rate should you use? Most lenders underwrite 5-8% for stabilized multifamily. Alabama averages around 10.1%. Your actual rate depends on local market conditions, property condition, and management quality.
Keep running the numbers
Vacancy eats into everything in Alabama. See the full impact on your returns.