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Cash Trap Trigger Calculator
Most CMBS and bank commercial loans have cash trap covenants — DSCR, debt yield, or occupancy below a threshold stops distributions. This calculator tests all three common triggers simultaneously and computes how much NOI lift is needed to clear the trap.
Cash trap active?
No
Current DSCR
1.36
Current debt yield
10.00%
DSCR trigger breached
No
Debt yield trigger breached
No
Occupancy trigger breached
No
NOI required for release
$506,000
NOI gap to release
$0
How the math works
A cash trap holds distributions in a lender-controlled account when DSCR, debt yield, or occupancy falls below trigger levels. Unlike a sweep, trapped cash is typically returned to equity once triggers are released — but it cannot be distributed in the interim.
Release tests usually require consecutive quarters (or trailing periods) above triggers. Negotiate the measurement period — trailing 12 months is easier than pure quarterly in a choppy market.
How to Use
- Enter trailing 12 NOI, debt service, and loan balance.
- Enter DSCR, debt yield, and occupancy trigger thresholds from the loan docs.
- Enter current occupancy.
- Read which triggers are breached and the NOI required to release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cash trap vs sweep?
Cash trap = cash held at lender, returned to borrower on cure. Sweep = cash permanently applied to principal paydown. Trap is less punitive to equity but still stops distributions.
Typical triggers?
DSCR: 1.10-1.20x. Debt yield: 7-9%. Occupancy: 80-85%. CMBS loans often stack all three. Banks frequently only test DSCR + debt yield.
What counts as cash?
Net of operating expenses, reserves, and debt service — essentially free cash flow. Lenders may further carve out specific allowances (property management fees to sponsor, limited capex).
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