Check whether a tenant's income comfortably covers the rent. Enter the monthly rent and the tenant's gross monthly income to see the ratio against the 30% rule.
The 30% rule (rent ≤ 30% of gross income) and the 3× rule (income ≥ 3× rent) are common screening guidelines, not laws. Apply them consistently to every applicant to stay fair.
Most landlords want rent to be no more than about 30% of a tenant's gross monthly income, which is the same as the tenant earning at least three times the rent. A tenant paying 1,500 rent on 5,000 income sits at 30% and clears the 3× test. Treat it as one signal alongside credit, references and employment, and apply the same threshold to all applicants.
A common target is 30% or less — meaning the tenant earns at least three times the monthly rent. Lower ratios mean more comfortable affordability.
Many landlords require a tenant's gross monthly income to be at least three times the rent. It's the inverse of the 30% rule.
The 30% and 3× guidelines normally use gross (pre-tax) income. Whichever you choose, apply it the same way to every applicant.
RentFlow keeps tenant, lease and payment records in one place so you can manage every applicant fairly. Free to start.
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