Why we built this
Most Australian tenants who receive a rent increase letter do one of two things: accept it, or start looking for somewhere else to live. Very few negotiate. Not because they don't want to, but because they don't know what number to ask for.
This tool exists to change that. It gives you a specific, financially defensible counter-offer based on what it would actually cost your landlord to replace you. Your negotiation is grounded in numbers, not just a personal plea.
How the calculation works
The calculator uses a break-even model. It finds the weekly rent at which your landlord earns the same net income over 52 weeks whether they replace you or keep you at a lower rate.
It factors in:
- Vacancy loss: rent lost while the property sits empty
- Reletting fee: agent fee to find a new tenant (typically 1-2 weeks rent)
- Advertising: Domain and REA listing costs
- Repairs: maintenance between tenancies
- Lease renewal fee: admin fee the landlord pays when you stay
The result is a range (Conservative, Balanced, Assertive) so you can choose the approach that fits your situation and confidence level.
What this tool is not
This is a negotiation support tool, not legal advice. It doesn't account for state-specific tenancy law, rent increase caps, or individual circumstances. For legal questions about your specific situation, contact your state's tenancy authority.
Who made this
This tool was built by a small team who wanted to give Australian renters a simple, practical resource for one of the most stressful moments in renting. Make negotiation feel normal, not scary.