This tool compares numbers you enter. A ratio does not establish personal affordability, verify income or determine housing eligibility. Rental criteria require separate review for fair housing, source-of-income protections, subsidy-program rules and applicable accommodations. Consistency alone does not establish compliance.
Review the next rental step
Review income records and rental criteria separately from this calculator. If you use a screening service, confirm the actual report coverage, authorization, fees and review process. See the income review guide and current screening packages before ordering a service.
The questions landlords and renters actually ask about rent affordability.
How do I compare the ratios with a monthly budget?
Match the income period first: $36,000 annual gross income is $3,000 monthly. At $1,000 monthly rent, the rent-to-income ratio is 33.3% and income is 3x rent. Selecting 30% instead gives a $900 monthly rent amount under that assumption. Neither result accounts for taxes, utilities, debts, care costs or savings. For variable income, review the period and evidence behind the estimate, and try a lower-income or higher-cost scenario. Keep personal budget planning separate from a landlord's review of rental criteria.
What is the 3x rent rule?
In this calculation, gross monthly income is three times monthly rent. That makes rent one-third of gross income, about 33.3%, rather than 30%. Selecting it does not establish a lawful rental criterion or a personal spending limit.
Is it gross or net income?
This calculator uses gross income before taxes and deductions. Choose the matching annual or monthly period. A household budget also needs take-home income, utilities, debts, living expenses and savings commitments.
Do I have to count housing vouchers as income?
Requirements depend on the rental, program and jurisdiction. Review applicable source-of-income protections, how the tenant-paid share is determined and any accommodation requirements before applying an income criterion. This calculator does not make those determinations.
Can I apply a stricter ratio than 3x?
Changing the ratio here changes only the arithmetic. Review proposed written criteria for the actual rental and applicable federal, state, local and program requirements. Applying a ratio consistently does not by itself establish that it is lawful.
What if the applicant is just under the ratio?
The arithmetic alone does not decide an application. Review accurate information and the applicable written criteria, including relevant subsidy and accommodation requirements. Do not automatically demand a larger deposit or guarantor because of this result.
