Loss-to-Lease
Loss-to-lease is the difference between in-place and market rents, showing unrealized revenue potential or over-market exposure.

September 30, 2025
What is Loss-to-Lease?
Loss-to-lease measures the difference between current in-place rents and prevailing market rents. It shows unrealized revenue potential when rents are below market or over-market risk when rents exceed current rates. This metric is often used in multifamily and commercial property analysis.
Why Loss-to-Lease Matters in Real Estate
Loss-to-lease matters in real estate because it directly impacts property valuation, investment strategy, and renewal planning. High loss-to-lease indicates potential for rent growth but also exposes owners to tenant turnover risk. Asset managers use loss-to-lease data to create phased renewal plans that balance growth and retention.
Example of Loss-to-Lease in Action
A multifamily portfolio shows average rents $200 below market. The owner implements a phased renewal strategy to capture higher rents gradually while minimizing turnover.
Key Takeaways
- Loss-to-lease highlights gaps between actual and market rents.
- Indicates revenue growth potential.
- Excessive gaps may increase turnover risk.
- Used in valuations and acquisition underwriting.
- Guides phased rent increase strategies.
Related Terms
- Mark-to-Market
- Rent Roll
- Renewal Strategy
- NOI
- Valuation

7211 Greenford Avenue in Burnaby. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)
The phasing and overview of the proposal for 7211 Greenford Avenue. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)
Renderings of the proposal for 7211 Greenford Avenue in Burnaby. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)
Renderings of the low-rise building planned for 7211 Greenford Avenue in Burnaby. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)







Yardi
Yardi
Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 
15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)





Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)