Accelerated Rent Calculator
When a commercial tenant defaults, many leases let the landlord accelerate the rent: declare the entire remaining rent due now. Enter the monthly rent, months remaining, a discount rate, and any expected re-let income: the tool computes the gross obligation, its present value, and the net claim after the re-let offset. For the accounting side of rent timing, see the deferred rent liability calculator.
Illustrative estimate only. Whether acceleration is enforceable, and at what discount rate, depends on the lease language and state law: get legal advice before acting.
Quick Answer
With $2,500 monthly rent and 18 months remaining: gross obligation = $45,000. Discounted to present value at 6% = $42,931.92. Less the $12,000 re-let offset, the net accelerated-rent claim = $30,931.92.
Worked example, checked against this exact tool
$2,500 monthly rent, 18 months remaining, 6% discount rate, $12,000 expected re-let income. Gross obligation = 2,500 × 18 = $45,000. Present value = 2,500 × (1 − 1.005−18) ÷ 0.005 = $42,931.92. Discounting trims $2,068.08 off the claim. Less the $12,000 re-let offset, the net accelerated-rent claim = $30,931.92.
Why acceleration exists in leases
Most commercial leases give the landlord a remedy on tenant default: either sue for rent as it comes due, or terminate and sue for damages. An acceleration clause lets the landlord instead declare the entire remaining rent due immediately. Landlords like it because collection is faster and the tenant cannot drag out monthly lawsuits; tenants negotiate against it because it converts a stream of future obligations into one large present judgment. Whether your lease contains one is a question of the actual document: many residential leases do not.
Why the claim gets discounted to present value
A dollar of rent due in month 18 is worth less than a dollar today, and courts recognize this: awarding the undiscounted gross would overcompensate the landlord. The present-value calculation discounts each future payment at an appropriate rate, often tied to a risk-free or judgment rate. The longer the remaining term and the higher the discount rate, the bigger the haircut: on a 10-year commercial remainder, discounting can cut the claim by 20% or more. The discount math is the same present-value logic as a net present value calculation.
The landlord’s duty to mitigate
In most states, a landlord who retakes the space must make reasonable efforts to re-let it, and the rent the new tenant pays (or would have paid) reduces the claim against the old tenant. That is the re-let offset input. A landlord who leaves the space vacant without marketing it may see the claim reduced or barred. Document the re-let assumptions carefully: they are the most commonly litigated part of the calculation. If the lease has scheduled rent increases, a lease escalation calculator can project the remaining obligation more precisely.
What competing calculators miss
The few accelerated-rent tools available multiply rent by months and stop there: no discounting, no mitigation offset, no explanation of when acceleration applies. This page adds present-value discounting at your rate, the re-let offset, and the legal context (acceleration clauses, mitigation duty) that determines whether the number is even claimable.
Frequently asked questions
What is accelerated rent?+−
A lease remedy on tenant default: the landlord declares all remaining rent under the lease term due immediately, rather than suing month by month.
How is accelerated rent calculated?+−
Gross = monthly rent x months remaining; then discount each future payment to present value at the lease or judgment rate; then subtract re-let income or fair rental value.
Does my lease allow rent acceleration?+−
Only if the lease contains an acceleration clause. Many residential leases do not; commercial leases often do. Read the actual document.
Why discount future rent to present value?+−
A dollar due in month 18 is worth less than a dollar today. Awarding the undiscounted gross would overcompensate the landlord; courts discount the claim.
What is the duty to mitigate?+−
In most states a landlord who retakes the space must make reasonable efforts to re-let it; rent from a replacement tenant reduces the claim against the old tenant.
What discount rate should I use?+−
The lease may specify one; otherwise a risk-free rate (e.g., Treasury yield) or the state judgment rate is typical. Higher rates shrink the claim.
Can the landlord claim rent and re-let the space?+−
Yes, but the re-let income offsets the claim: the landlord cannot collect the same months’ rent twice.
Is accelerated rent the same as a lease buyout?+−
No. Acceleration is a landlord remedy on default. A buyout is a negotiated early termination where both sides agree on a price.
What if the space stays vacant?+−
The landlord must still show reasonable marketing efforts; a court may reduce the claim if the vacancy reflects no effort to re-let.
Does this apply to residential leases?+−
Rarely: most residential leases lack acceleration clauses, and some states restrict or bar them for housing. This tool is aimed at commercial leases.
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References
- LegalClarity: What Does Accelerated Rent Mean in a Lease? – LegalClarity (accessed 2026-10-17)
- Azibo: Acceleration of Rent: 4 Commercial Lease Clauses – Azibo (accessed 2026-10-17)
- Bean, Kinney & Korman: Acceleration of Rents Part 2: Drafting Reasonable Provisions – Bean, Kinney & Korman (accessed 2026-10-17)
- Anthony Ostlund: The Enforceability of Rent Acceleration Clauses – Anthony Ostlund (accessed 2026-10-17)
- Lexology: Lease Defaults and Landlord Remedies: Monetary Damages – Lexology (accessed 2026-10-17)
- The Habitat Group: Landlord May Accelerate Abandoning Tenant's Rent Without Mitigating Damages – The Habitat Group (accessed 2026-10-17)
- Mondaq: How Best to Ensure Enforceability of Rent Acceleration Clauses – Mondaq (accessed 2026-10-17)
- Jimerson Birr: Do Commercial Landlords Have to Mitigate Damages When a Tenant Breaches Lease? – Jimerson Birr (accessed 2026-10-17)
- Law Insider: Landlord's Duty to Mitigate (sample clauses) – Law Insider (accessed 2026-10-17)
- Law Insider: Subject to Landlord's Obligation to Mitigate (sample clauses) – Law Insider (accessed 2026-10-17)