Guide library

Helpful guides for US renters

Practical guides and calculators for apartment affordability, co-signer support, move-in costs, security deposits, and roommate rent planning.

What is the 3x rent rule?

Understand how gross monthly income can be compared with monthly rent.

What is 30 times rent?

See how the 30x annual (2.5x monthly) rent rule is calculated.

What is 36 times rent?

See how the 36x annual (3x monthly) rent rule is calculated.

Do I need a co-signer?

Learn when extra support may help an apartment application.

How much does a co-signer need to earn?

Estimate the income a co-signer may need for a given rent.

Can roommates combine income for rent?

Learn how shared leases can look at combined roommate income.

How much should I save before moving?

Plan your security deposit, first month's rent, moving costs, and setup buffer.

Can I rent with bad credit?

See why credit history is only one part of a rental application.

Rental application fees

Estimate application fees alongside other move-in costs.

Security deposit basics

Plan for the security deposit and first rent payment before move-in.

How much rent can you afford on…

$30,000 a year $35,000 a year $40,000 a year $45,000 a year $50,000 a year $60,000 a year $70,000 a year $75,000 a year $80,000 a year $100,000 a year $15 an hour $17 an hour $18 an hour $20 an hour $22 an hour $25 an hour $30 an hour

How much income do you need to rent…

$800 rent $900 rent $1,000 rent $1,100 rent $1,200 rent $1,300 rent $1,400 rent $1,500 rent $1,600 rent $1,800 rent $2,000 rent $2,200 rent $2,500 rent $3,000 rent

Calculators

Rent Affordability Calculator US Rent Affordability Guide Co-signer Income Calculator Roommate Affordability Calculator Move-In Cost Calculator Rent Split Calculator