What would my house rent for?

Renting out your home can be a great way to keep the property and generate extra income. As a first step, you'll need to determine how much to charge potential tenants. Setting the right rental price is not only crucial for attracting good candidates but also for maximizing income and staying competitive in your local market.

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If determining how much to charge feels overwhelming—fret not. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to estimate your home's rental value, discuss factors that influence rent, and highlight costs to consider when becoming a landlord.

What would my house rent for?

A quick way to gauge how much you could rent your home for is to look at its value. A common rule of thumb is charging 0.8% to 1.1% of the value per month as rent. For example, if the property is worth $300,000, a reasonable range would be from $2,400 to $3,3000 monthly. 

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While this can give you a starting point, it's important to remember that location, market conditions, and amenities can all impact how you price your home as a rental. Additionally, this may not be realistic if you live in an area with extremely high property value. 

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Learn how much your home is worth using this free online tool.

How to estimate your home's rental value

Consult a professional

One of the most effective ways to determine rental value is to work with a trusted real estate agent or property manager. Although you'll be on the hook for service fees, their in-depth knowledge of the local market and access to proprietary rental data means competitive pricing for your property. 

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The investment can also save you time, as they'll perform a market analysis, considering your home's features, location, and market conditions—so you don't have to. 

DIY market research

If you prefer a more hands-on approach—or want to avoid fees—you can conduct your own market research. To identify trends and understand rental rates in your area:

• Monitor local listings: Browse platforms like Craigslist, Apartments.com, and Facebook Marketplace for rental properties similar to yours.
• Compare features: Look for homes with comparable square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and amenities. Note how these factors influence pricing.
• Pay attention to location: Homes in the same neighborhood or school district are especially relevant for comparisons.

Online tools

Platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Rentometer offer quick estimates based on property details and comparable listings in your area. These tools assess local rental data to suggest a price range for your home. 

However, accuracy may vary, so it’s wise to still perform a little market research of your own. 

Factors that affect rental value

Several key factors influence the rental value of your home. Some can help you justify a higher price, while others may set the boundary on upper limits. 

• Location plays a major role in demand. Homes in desirable areas typically fetch higher rents. Neighborhood, school district, and proximity to amenities like public transportation, shopping centers, and parks are all important aspects to consider when setting rental prices. 
• Property features can enhance the comfort and appeal of a property. Tenants are often willing to pay more for desirable features like updated kitchens, in-unit laundry, central air conditioning, a backyard, or energy-efficient appliances. 
• The condition of the property is crucial. Well-maintained homes attract higher rents and better-quality tenants. If your property has outdated fixtures or visible wear and tear, consider making upgrades to justify a higher rental price.
• Market trends like supply and demand will greatly influence your asking price. In a competitive market, you can often charge a higher price, whereas during periods of high vacancy, you may need to lower your asking price to attract tenants.
• Your local market can ultimately set caps on a realistic rental price. Before going all out on amenities and features, understand what local benchmarks are. If surrounding properties are significantly cheaper, you’ll likely have trouble filling an apartment. 

Other costs to consider when renting out your home

Renting out your home involves more than just collecting monthly rent. To avoid surprises, consider the following additional costs:

• Operational costs: Regular upkeep is essential for tenant happiness, home safety, and compliance with housing regulations. You'll want to budget for both routine maintenance and unexpected repairs. Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether to include utilities in the rent or have tenants cover the costs.
• Property management fees: Managing a rental property is time-consuming. Although hiring a property manager can ease the burden, it can also be costly. If you do decide to hire someone to market the property, screen tenants, collect rent, and address any maintenance requests, you can typically expect to shell out between 8% to 12% of the monthly rent. 
• Insurance: Standard homeowners insurance won’t cover it—you’ll need a landlord insurance policy to ensure you’re completely protected. This type of policy can cover property damage, liability, and loss of rental income due to covered events. 
• Taxes: Rental income is taxable, so it's essential to account for this in your planning. Consider talking to a tax professional or financial advisor to fully understand the scope and optimize for deductions.

Is renting your home worth it?

Whether renting out your home is a good idea depends on your financial goals, the property's location, and market conditions.  If you're not ready to part with a home but no longer intend to live there, a steady rental income can offset the cost of keeping and maintaining it. However, being a landlord also saddles you with responsibilities like upkeep, tenant management, and navigating rental market fluctuations.

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Before deciding, consider the potential income against whether you have the time, resources, or desire to manage the property—or the budget to hire a professional.

Final thoughts

Determining how much your house would rent for is a crucial first step on your journey to becoming a landlord. Using online tools, consulting professionals, or conducting your own research can help you find the most competitive price for your property. 

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Don’t forget to factor in location, condition, and local market trends when setting costs. Additionally, understanding the expenses of renting out your property—such as maintenance, management, and insurance—can provide you with a clear picture of your potential earnings.

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