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Rent-to-Income Calculator
Landlords commonly require tenant income ≥ 3x rent — roughly a 33% rent-to-income ratio. Federal affordability rule is 30%. Some states cap or regulate screening criteria. This calculator checks all three standards against the tenant's income.
Screening verdict
Passes 3x rent
Rent-to-income %
30.9%
Income ÷ rent multiple
3.24
Passes 30% rule
No
Passes 3x rent
Yes
Total income counted
$6,800
How the math works
$2,100 rent with $6,800 income = 30.9% rent-to-income — fails 30% rule by a hair, passes 3x rent at 3.24x. Most landlords approve at 3x+. Below 2.5x, consider requiring a guarantor or 2-3 month security deposit.
Document your criteria in writing and apply consistently to avoid discrimination claims. If rejecting, deliver Adverse Action Notice within 30 days (FCRA requirement when credit check was used).
How to Use
- Enter monthly rent and tenant's gross monthly income.
- See rent-to-income % and whether it passes the common thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3x rent always applied?
Standard but not universal. Some markets (NYC, SF) use 40x annual rent = income floor. Subsidized / Section 8 tenants are evaluated differently — subsidy contribution counts toward meeting the ratio. Always verify with your state's specific rules.
What about partial months or variable income?
Use 12-month average for hourly/tipped workers. For self-employed, 24-month average from tax returns. Bonuses: count only if consistent 2+ years. Social Security, disability, spousal support count as income. Requesting paystubs is standard.
Is rent-to-income discrimination?
No — facially neutral income requirements are lawful. BUT watch disparate impact: excessive thresholds (e.g., 4x or 5x rent) can disproportionately exclude protected classes and draw HUD scrutiny. Stick to 3x rent; waive for adequate security deposit or guarantor.
Source-of-income discrimination?
Some states and cities (CA, CT, MA, NY, NJ, OR, WA, Seattle, San Diego, Minneapolis, many more) ban refusing Section 8 vouchers or Social Security income. Confirm locally; violations can trigger suits up to 3x damages plus fees.
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