Valet Trash Service ROI Calculator

Valet trash services generate ancillary revenue and improve retention at multifamily.

Unit count

Monthly valet fee / unit

Vendor cost / unit

Participation %

Retention lift %

Avg monthly rent

Net annual ROI

$33,300

Gross valet margin

$23,400

Retention lift value

$9,900

How the math works

Margin = participating × (fee − cost) × 12. Retention = units × lift × rent × 1.5 mo turn savings.

150 × ($25−$12) × 12 = $23.4k margin + 200 × 1.5% × $2,200 × 1.5 = $9.9k retention = $33.3k total.

How to Use

Enter unit count.
Enter monthly valet fee per unit.
Enter vendor cost per unit.
Enter participation %.
Enter retention lift %.
Enter avg monthly rent.
Read net annual ROI.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does valet trash work?

Tenant places trash outside unit door at scheduled time (typically 5-8 pm Sunday-Thursday). Vendor (Trash Scouts, National Valet, Valet Living, Valet Trash Service) collects, deposits in compactor or dumpster. Tenant charge: $18-35/month. Typical cost: $8-15/unit/month to vendor. Margin: $10-20/unit/month. On 200-unit property: $24-48k annual income. 85%+ participation common in Class A, 50-70% in Class B/C.

Competitive differentiator?

Survey data: valet trash rated in top 5 amenities by renters in Class A buildings. Drives 5-10% of new lease decisions in competitive submarkets. Boosts online review scores. Retention lift: 1-3 percentage points — renewing residents cite convenience. Most sophisticated operators (Greystar, Camden, Post, Essex) include valet trash standard in Class A assets. Premium amenity status.

Operational considerations?

Contract term: 1-3 years typical. Minimum participation often required (60-75%). Pest concerns: must coordinate with pest control. Odor management: requires daily pickup, not weekly. Compactor/dumpster access: vendor needs key access. Tenant training: orientation at move-in. Compliance with city sanitation codes: some cities (NYC, Chicago, Boston) restrict sidewalk placement.

Revenue structure?

(1) Charge all units (mandatory): flat $20/month, no participation risk. (2) Opt-in: tenant pays only if they use, lower adoption. (3) Included in rent: no line-item but rent bumped $25-40 to offset. Option 1 most popular — landlord captures maximum revenue, tenant accepts as amenity fee. Legal: must disclose in lease. Some states regulate ancillary fees; review local law.