Cash for Keys Break-Even Calculator

Paying tenant to leave often beats eviction economically. This calculator finds break-even cash-for-keys payment.

Full eviction cost

Months of rent saved

Monthly rent

Break-even CFK offer

$18,300

Rent saved

$6,300

Savings if no CFK paid

$18,300

How the math works

Break-even = full eviction cost + rent saved during CFK-faster process. Up to this amount is accretive vs eviction.

Lead with 50-60% of break-even. Tenant usually accepts well below break-even. Document exit tightly: keys + clean + release of claims + departure date — no payment until all met.

How to Use

Enter eviction total cost.
Enter months of rent saved via CFK.
Enter monthly rent.
Read break-even CFK offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to CFK?

Voluntary departure within 2-3 weeks. Tenant cooperates in unit condition. Clean paper trail. Eviction would take 60+ days. Most cases qualify in tenant-friendly jurisdictions.

Typical payment?

$1000-$5000 residential. $5000-$50000 commercial. Often 1-3 months of rent. Negotiate, don't lead with maximum.

Gotchas?

Tenant takes money, doesn't leave. Mitigate with escrow of payment pending vacate + keys + clean unit. Full release of claims signed.

How do institutional LPs use this?

Institutional LPs expect sensitivity tables at every underwriting — base case plus at least two stress scenarios. Submit this output alongside traditional pro formas. LPs read quickly for two things: does the base case clear target IRR, and does the stress case produce positive equity multiple. If both yes, deal is investable. If stress goes negative, more equity or a lower purchase price is needed.