Free tool from Rentari.ai
Rent affordability calculator
The 3x rent rule, in one click. Landlords, check an applicant against your income standard. Renters, see the most rent you can comfortably afford. Free, no signup, no email.
Leave blank to see the max affordable rent.
Screen applicants the right way
Rentari.ai is all-in-one property management software for landlords and property managers of all sizes. Built-in tenant screening verifies income and returns one FCRA-compliant report with credit, criminal, and eviction history, scored against your rules, with the applicant paying the fee. Free Forever for unlimited units, no card required.
FAQ
The questions landlords and renters actually ask about rent affordability.
What is the 3x rent rule?
A common screening guideline that an applicant's gross monthly income should be at least three times the monthly rent, which is roughly the same as spending no more than a third of income on rent. It is a guideline, not a law, and many landlords also accept a qualified co-signer or extra deposit.
Is it gross or net income?
The 3x rule almost always uses gross income, the amount before taxes and deductions. Enter gross income for a standard check. Ask applicants to verify income with pay stubs, an offer letter, or bank statements.
Do I have to count housing vouchers as income?
In many states and cities, source-of-income laws make it illegal to reject an applicant simply because they use a Section 8 or other housing voucher, and the voucher portion must be factored in. Apply your income standard to the tenant's share of the rent, not the full rent, where a voucher covers part of it. Check your local rules.
Can I apply a stricter ratio than 3x?
You can set your own reasonable standard, but apply it consistently to every applicant to stay on the right side of fair housing law. An inconsistent or unusually high bar applied to only some applicants is a discrimination risk.
What if the applicant is just under the ratio?
Many landlords accept a strong applicant who is slightly under by asking for a co-signer, a larger deposit within your state's legal cap, or proof of savings. The ratio is a screen, not the whole decision.