Check whether your income passes the 3× rent screen — and the highest rent that passes.
Before tax. Some landlords use net income instead — try both to see the difference.
Optional reality check: debts reduce what is left after rent.
Common landlord screening guideline only, not a law or a guarantee of approval. Landlords vary, and this ignores credit, debts and other costs.
rent ÷ income (×) — 3× means income is 3× rent
How to use this tool
Type the rent for the place you are considering, before utilities unless they are included.
Type pre-tax monthly income; if you are applying with others, add household income if the landlord allows it.
3.00× or more passes the usual screen; below 3× shows exactly how far short you are.
Income ÷ 3 is the highest rent that passes the rule — a useful ceiling when you are searching.
Formula & worked example
Worked example: rent $1,800, gross monthly income $5,400. Multiple = 5,400 ÷ 1,800 = 3.00×, exactly at the bar; required income is $5,400 and rent is 33.3% of income. At $4,500 income the multiple is 2.50× and the shortfall is $900 a month.
Limitations — read this before you rely on it
The 3× rule is a common landlord screening guideline, not a law, and landlords differ — some use 2.5×, some use net income, some weigh credit and rental history more heavily. It ignores your other debts, utilities, and the cost of living in the area.
Frequently asked questions
Landlords often require gross monthly income of at least three times the monthly rent. On $1,800 rent that means $5,400 a month of income.
Most landlords use gross (pre-tax) income, but some use net. This calculator defaults to gross — if your landlord uses net, enter your take-home pay instead.
You may still be approved with a guarantor, a larger deposit, proof of savings, or a landlord who uses a lower multiple. Some cities also limit income screening.
Usually the landlord adds up the household income of everyone on the lease. Check the landlord's policy before applying.
Yes — income of 3× rent means rent is 33.3% of gross income, the same ceiling behind the common 30%-of-income affordability guide.