Find the true monthly cost of a lease after concessions and free months.
Net effective rent is the true average monthly cost of a lease after accounting for concessions like free months of rent or move-in discounts. Landlords often advertise gross rent but offer incentives, making net effective rent a more accurate comparison metric.
A 12-month lease at $3,000/month with 1 free month: You pay $3,000 × 11 = $33,000 over 12 months. Net effective rent = $33,000 / 12 = $2,750/month.