Income needed to rent (3× rent calculator)
Page last updated: August 28, 2026 · How we source & update
Enter a rent and it shows the gross monthly and annual income many landlords look for; enter an income and it shows the rent that guideline implies. It uses the common 3× screening convention — a practice many landlords apply, not a law. Actual criteria vary by landlord and some jurisdictions limit income requirements, so treat the result as a planning estimate, never a decision about what you may rent.
Many landlords use a screening guideline of about 3× the monthly rent in gross income. This tool shows both directions. It's a common landlord convention, not a law.
This is an educational tool, not legal or financial advice. Renter Shield is not a law firm, and no attorney-client relationship is created by your use of the app. Renter Shield does not store what you enter here.
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How this calculator works
It uses the common 3× rule of thumb: gross monthly income ≈ 3 × monthly rent (equivalently, rent ≈ 1/3 of gross income). The reverse mode divides income by 3. Assumptions & limits: the 3× figure is a screening convention many landlords use, not a law — actual screening criteria vary by landlord and by local rules (some jurisdictions restrict income requirements, e.g. for voucher holders); it ignores debts, household size, and local cost of living. An estimate here does not determine your eligibility or your legal rights.