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Free Rent Affordability Calculator
Find how much rent you can afford using the 30% rule or the 3x income rule.
Find how much rent you can afford using the 30% rule or the 3x income rule. Enter your numbers and the result updates instantly.
How to use the Rent Affordability Calculator
- Enter the names, the property address and the key dates and amounts. Each field has a realistic example.
- Check the wording in the live preview and add any extra section the situation needs. Optional fields can be left empty.
- Download the PDF, print it or send it, then have it signed and keep a copy with the lease.
What is the Rent Affordability Calculator?
How much rent can you afford? Two rules of thumb are common: spend no more than 30 percent of gross income on rent, or have an income at least three times the monthly rent. This calculator applies the rule you choose.
Signplify tools run in your browser, so there is no signup, no watermark and no limit on how often you use it.
Getting started with the Rent Affordability Calculator
Using the rent affordability calculator takes a minute or two. Your progress is saved in this browser, so you can come back later.
Tips for better results
Landlords often use the 3 times rent rule to screen applicants.
Include utilities and parking in your own budget, not only the base rent.
Privacy and where your data goes
Documents and files you use here are processed on your own device. Signplify does not receive what you type or the files you open, which makes it suitable for sensitive information. If you clear your browser data, any saved draft is removed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 30 percent rule?
It says rent should not take more than 30 percent of your gross monthly income. It is a guide, not a law, and may not suit high-cost cities.
What does the 3x rent rule mean?
Many landlords ask tenants to earn at least three times the monthly rent before tax.
What do I enter in the rent affordability calculator?
You enter Gross Monthly Income, Monthly Debt Payments and Rule of thumb. The result updates as you type, so you can change one number and see the effect straight away.
What result does the rent affordability calculator give for example numbers?
With the starting example (Gross Monthly Income $6,000, Monthly Debt Payments $400 and Rule of thumb 30% of gross income), it shows Maximum comfortable rent of $1,800.00, along with Rule used 30% of gross income, Share of income 30.00%, Rent plus debts as share of income 36.67% and Yearly rent $21,600.00. These are the US defaults; change the inputs to match your own situation.
Can I use the rent affordability calculator with another currency?
Yes. The Currency box above the form lets you show amounts in any of about 50 currencies for this calculator. The formula is the same, only the symbol and number format change.
How accurate is the rent affordability calculator?
It is an estimate based on the numbers you enter and the rates or formulas built into the tool. It is meant for planning and comparing options, so check important figures against official sources or a qualified professional before you rely on them.
Can I save or share the result from the rent affordability calculator?
Yes. Copy result puts the figures on your clipboard as text, and you can also download the result as a PDF or PNG, or print it. Your inputs are remembered in this browser for next time.
Is the rent affordability calculator legal advice?
No. The Rent Affordability Calculator produces a general document from the details you enter. Laws differ by state, province and country, so check the rules that apply to you and have a qualified professional review anything important before you rely on it.
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