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 — so 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, and 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 — and make negotiation feel normal, not scary.