Free Interactive Tool
ADU Rent Estimator (2026): What Will My ADU Rent For?
Pick your city, set the size and bedroom count, and see expected monthly rent, annual gross, and vacancy-adjusted income in seconds — calibrated with 2026 rent comps from Zillow, Apartments.com, and ApartmentList.
Estimate your ADU rent
Expected monthly rent
$2,142 – $2,898
Midpoint: $2,520/mo
Annual gross
$30,240
Vacancy-adjusted (95% occupancy)
$28,728
Source: Zillow ZORI, Apartments.com, and ApartmentList ADU comp data, updated April 2026.
Sample comps in Los Angeles
$2,600/mo
600 sqft · 1 BR
Zillow
$3,300/mo
750 sqft · 2 BR
Apartments.com
$4,100/mo
1000 sqft · 2 BR
Zillow
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Jump to your city
Rent per sqft by city (2026 medians)
| City | Low ($/sqft) | Mid ($/sqft) | High ($/sqft) | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | $3.27 | $3.85 | $4.43 | 5% |
| Los Angeles | $3.57 | $4.20 | $4.83 | 5% |
| Portland | $2.34 | $2.75 | $3.16 | 6% |
| Denver | $2.04 | $2.40 | $2.76 | 6% |
| Bay Area (San Francisco) | $4.34 | $5.10 | $5.87 | 4% |
Sources: Zillow ZORI, Apartments.com, ApartmentList. Updated April 2026. ADU comps adjusted upward 5–10% over apartment medians to reflect newer-construction premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I rent my ADU for?
Most ADUs in major US metros rent for $1,500–$4,500/month depending on size, bedrooms, condition, and location. The 5 launch cities covered here range from a Denver studio at ~$1,200/mo to a 1,000 sqft Bay Area 2BR at ~$5,000/mo. Use the estimator above to get a city-specific number that adjusts for your actual sqft, bedroom count, and condition.
What's the average rent per square foot for ADUs?
As of April 2026, midpoint medians are: Bay Area $5.10/sqft/mo, Los Angeles $4.20, San Diego $3.85, Portland $2.75, Denver $2.40, and US national $2.20. ADUs typically command a 5–10% premium over comparable older detached units because they are newer construction and better insulated.
Do JADUs rent for less than detached ADUs?
Per square foot, JADUs (junior ADUs under 500 sqft within an existing home) often rent for more than detached ADUs because of their small size and the scarcity of sub-$1,800 rentals. In total monthly rent, however, JADUs trail detached units by 15–30% because they are simply smaller and share walls or utilities with the primary residence.
How does ADU condition affect rent?
The estimator applies these multipliers: new construction 1.10x, like-new (under 5 years) 1.05x, standard 1.0x, needs work 0.85x. New construction commands a premium because tenants pay for energy efficiency, modern appliances, and zero deferred maintenance. A worn ADU loses 15% of its rent ceiling and tends to attract tenants with shorter average stays.
Should I include vacancy in my rent calculation?
Yes. The vacancy-adjusted annual figure assumes 4–7% vacancy, which is the realistic long-run average for stabilized rentals in the 5 launch cities. SF/Bay Area runs lowest (4%), while Denver and Portland run higher (6–7%). For underwriting purposes — bank loans, partner pitches, or your own cash-flow model — always use the vacancy-adjusted number, not gross.
Can I use this estimate for a loan application?
Use it as a directional starting point, but lenders will require third-party rent comps from a licensed appraiser (Form 1007 or 1025) before they underwrite ADU rental income. Many ADU construction loans now allow projected rent to count toward DTI — see our financing guide for the lender list. The estimator is a fast first pass that mirrors what an appraiser would land on within 10–15%.
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