Vacant Unit Utility Cost Calculator

Vacant units draw utility for maintenance. This calculator sizes monthly burn.

Vacant units average

Utility $/unit/month

Vacancy weeks

Turns per year

Annual vacant utility cost

$4,417

Avg cost per turn

$52

Monthly burn

$600

How the math works

Cost per turn = utility × vacancy months. Times turns = annual. Adds to turnover cost.

85 turns × $52 utility/turn = ~$4,400/yr on utility alone. Modest but real; combined with make-ready labor and lost rent, vacant utility is often the forgotten piece that pushes total turn cost above $1,000/unit.

How to Use

Enter vacant unit count.
Enter utility $/unit/month.
Enter vacancy weeks average.
Enter units turned per year.
Read annual vacant utility cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What draws?

HVAC on minimum (prevent freeze/heat damage). Water heater standby. Periodic cleaning utility. Refrigerator (if left running). Basic lighting for tours. $40-120/unit/month typical vacant draw depending on climate and type.

Seasonal variation?

Winter freeze prevention drives heat bills higher ($150-300/unit/month in cold climates during extended vacancy). Summer AC for tours moderate. Mild climate minimal utility on vacant ($30-60/unit/month typical).

Turnover optimization?

Faster turnover = less vacant utility. Target sub-14 day turn on multifamily. Longer vacancies multiply utility waste. Offset with lower rent or incentives to accelerate turn and reduce carry total.