RentalCalcs · Original decision worksheet

House-hack decision worksheet

Compare the same property while you live there, during a vacancy and after you move out. Fill locally, then print or save as PDF. Nothing is submitted or automatically saved.

Read the complete worked guide

Worked example

The hypothetical $300,000 duplex costs the owner $1,420 in a planning month. A 10% rent reduction increases that to $1,553; an empty month with $600 turnover work needs $3,350. After move-out, two $1,400 rents produce about -$303 monthly after the modeled costs. These are different scenarios, not simultaneous charges.

1. Establish the property and cash

Legal units, owner-occupied space, areas and supported rents; source datesLender quote: down payment, financed fees, balance, rate, term and insuranceClosing/prepaid costs, credited deposit and timing; count each dollar oncePreparation costs, opening vacancy and cash retained afterward

2. Reconcile the monthly housing budget

Full loan/tax/insurance/HOA payment and utility responsibilityTenant rent received, vacancy assumption and dated lease evidenceWhole-building repairs and capital allocation; owner/rental shares and excluded costsComparable housing alternative, equivalent utilities and resulting monthly difference

3. Test what changes the decision

Lower-rent case: fixed costs, revised allowances and cash requiredEmpty month: no rent, no duplicate vacancy percentage, turnover cost and funding sourceMove-out: two-unit rent, vacancy, management, revised insurance/tax and opening costsDecision, unresolved evidence and next action; keep next-home cash separate

Calculation notes

Owner cash required = housing payment - tenant receipts + vacancy allowance + building repair/replacement allocation + other costs. When modeling an actual empty month, use zero receipts and replace the percentage vacancy allowance. This article uses a rounded $2,610 housing payment, $140 building allocation and a separate $600 turnover event. The tool housing-cost subtotal includes the owner share of reserves; add excluded rental-side costs when building the complete budget.

Reviewed October 14, 2026. Original RentalCalcs educational worksheet. Numbers are hypothetical, not property estimates, financing quotes or lender approval. CFPB: reconcile the loan payment and cash to close.