A common problem that renters face when looking for an apartment is meeting the 3 times rent requirement. Most of the time in cities with a high cost of living such as Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, there is a “3 times the rent rule.”
The 3 times the rent rule states that for a renter to be considered, their gross monthly income must be at least 3 times more than the monthly rent.
However, times are tough and this can seem like an unfair requirement to some renters, and they may be asking themselves: What if I Don’t Make 3 Times the Rent?
Need some help? Use our free 3x rent calculator to find out exactly what you can afford.
While this requirement seems exaggerated, on the landlord side there is a logical reason to ask for this, like making sure that the tenant can afford the place and avoid a future eviction. However, it is true that a frugal lifestyle can lower your expenses enough to be able to pay a bigger rent without earning a fortune.
If you are trying to understand the logic behind the 3 times the rent rule and how to get a rental without meeting the income requirement, we have put together this article that explains everything about it and how you can overcome this obstacle in order to find your next great apartment.
Table of Contents
How to Get a Rental Without Meeting the 3 Times Rent Requirement
If you are just out of college or are living with a low income, this income requirement can be pretty brutal for you. However, there are other ways to show your landlord that you can afford the apartment and that is what we are going to cover next.
It is important to mention that this rule exists for a reason, and most of the time if you can’t meet the 3 times the rent rule is because you really won’t be able to afford the apartment in the long term. So before reading any of this advice sit down for a minute, organize your budget and your expenses, and ask yourself if looking for something smaller or in a cheaper area could be a better idea.
If you worked your budget and consider that you are able to afford the apartment, here are some things that you could do to show your landlord that you have the ability to pay for it on the term
8 Tips for Overcoming the 3 Times Rent Requirement
- Check for apartments that include utilities: If you don’t make 3 times the rent of an apartment but it comes with utilities paid by your landlord, you can talk with him and show him how not paying for these bills means that you need less income to get by.
- Show your landlord your current apartment contract: If you are already renting a place that costs the same that the place you are trying to rent, this can be proof that you are capable of paying this amount on time. Besides, providing the documents that show this, puts your new prospective landlord in contact with the old one so they can reach out.
- Look for a room in an already occupied apartment: If the lease for an apartment is already signed that means that the roommates that are living there have already proved to be earning 3 times the rent. Most of the time this rule is required to the primary leaseholder, which means that you only have to show proof of income for your share of the rent and no the total.
- Show your bank statement: A large sum of savings in your bank account will show that you have a backup plan in case things go wrong and you are not able to pay your rent in time. Simply get a statement from your bank and add it to your rental application. If you have any concerns about showing your bank statement for your rental application to your landlord, we have made a guide that you might want to check out.
- Offer a higher secure deposit: Similar to showing your bank statement, having savings can easily earn you the apartment that you want. Simply offer the landlord to pay a deposit that is above what he is asking for to make your application more attractive and show that you are committed to the rental.
- If you are debt-free take advantage of it: If you don’t earn three times the rent but you are debt-free you can talk your landlord into taking in consideration that you don’t have any debt bills to pay, which means that you have to use less money of your income to get by.
- Look for smaller landlords: An individual renting their one and only property or a management company can often be more flexible than large companies, consider looking for properties with this kind of management and talk to them about your situation.
- Get a guarantor: A lease guarantor or -often your parents when you are just out of college- serve as a proof that you have someone who will be your backup if something goes wrong. This is the most common way to rent an apartment without meeting the income requirement, however, we recommend you to try first all the tips above because your guarantor will be responsible for you if you can’t pay your rent, and we know that is a lot to ask. Pss.. be sure to check out first our full guide about renting with a guarantor!
Why do apartments ask for 3 times the rent?
While there is not a law that states that renters should make at least 3 times the price of its rent, this requirement is a common practice among America, especially in cities with high living standards such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, to name a few.
The reason behind the 3 times the rent rule expects renters to earn at least three times the cost of the apartment that they are trying to rent, and not 2, 4 or 6, is based on section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937 (often referred to as Section 8), a government-subsidized housing program that provides assistance to families with low or moderate incomes to rent housing in the private market.
According to the Section 8 program, the tenants must pay at least 30% of their monthly income towards housing, which implies that those tenants should at least earn three times the rent of the apartment that they are trying to rent. Landlords usually take this number and ask renters proof of income for 3 times the rent because they need to have proof that the renter can afford the place and won’t stop paying for the rent, which could lead into an eviction.
If you are trying to move to an apartment with a roommate you will notice that even when you make three times your share of the rent, the landlord often expects both of you to make three times the total cost of the rent. This happens because the landlord wants to make sure that if things go wrong and one of you moves out the other one can still afford the place.
When we were landlords we would let roommates combine their income to get to the 3x number and we never had any issues. All landlords are different, especially the mom and pop ones that you can usually communicate easier with.
Do All Apartments Require 3x Rent?
Nope! The 3x rent rule is not a law, it was just created because of Section 8 housing rules. Over time, more and more landlords decided to adopt it as a tool to show an applicant’s ability to afford the rent.
All apartments do not require 3x the rent. If you find yourself asking what if I don’t make 3 times the rent? read the listing. If the listing doesn’t have any income requirement, go ahead and apply. If you really want to know in advance you could inquire about the apartment via email and ask straight up. We’ve seen a mixture of smaller landlords and huge property management companies not requiring 3x the rent.
Obviously some locations have much higher rent than the national average and can be difficult places to qualify for 3x the rent rule. It’s nice to know that this isn’t a law and it’s still possible to find landlords willing to work with you.
Is the 3 Times the Rent Rule Gross or Net Income?
The good news is that landlords are looking at gross monthly income when contrasting it with the monthly rent.
When we were landlords, this came as a pleasant surprise to people who wanted to rent from us. We were looking at your gross income and not just your take home pay. The rule is pretty straightforward but it can be confusing if you do not know what your gross monthly income is. This is why we’ve created a handy calculator below.
FAQ
Will an apartment complex deny you if you are just $300 short of the 3x the rent requirement?
They might! It depends on the company, but always prepare to fight for yourself. Have landlord references, and recent paystubs that can help show that you are a great tenant.
Is 3 times the rent gross or net?
Gross pay, thankfully! Your monthly gross pay, or pre-tax, pre-deductions pay must be 3x the monthly rent.
What does 3 times the rent mean?
The 3 times the rent rule means that your gross monthly pay must be 3 times or more than the monthly rent amount. This is a common rule amongst landlords.
Do I need to make 3 times the rent if I have a roommate?
If you have a roommate who is also on the lease, screened and approved by the landlord, you can combine your income to qualify for the 3 times the rent rule.
It just doesn’t make any sense is that what section 8 is for low income? If I have three time of rent why will be on section 8 ?. I would be able to pay my own rent.what about elderly there only one income with social security they do not have no three time rent.
Exactly !! I don’t understand the logic behind needing 3 times the rent on Section8 . I think the landlord or property manager are basically saying we don’t want rent to any Section 8 people . Rather then say that they apply it to everyone , so it don’t look as if the landlord or property manager is being discriminatory toward individuals with a Section 8 voucher . It’s really messed up on not only to people with Section 8 , but to people without Section 8 !! 3 times the rent is a lot for ppl earning minimum wages . I pray during this pandemic some of the landlords & property managers will have a heart and take that into consideration . I will be in search of a place in 6 months . I plan of buying a home in a couple years as well as flipping home and I will never ask a tenant to have 3 times the rent . I would ask for 2 times not 3 !!
Section 8 is income based housing. Thus, they are expected to pay 30% of their income, but they can not make over a certain amount to be granted a section 8 voucher. It’s just what the government believes to be the standard contribution.
Section 8 is a rental assistance not income based housing. Subsidized housing is income based which is normally offered through a complex.
Btw MJ , what you’re saying isn’t factual.
Section 8 is most definitely income based. Speaking from experience
I hear what your saying but that has nothing to do with having to show proof that we make 3x the amount of rent.
Anyways From my extensive research it is supposed to be 3x the amount of YOUR rent. Meaning if you make $800 a month , your rent is $240. So then making 3x the amount of your rent which would be 3x $240 So then I’d qualify for that only making $800. They are legally not supposed to count the housing voucher amount since we aren’t paying that for rent , the county is. Does that make sense? Research for yourself then take all the info to the apartment. Throw the papers that state this info in their faces and basically say what you are doing is illegal and discriminatory. There is a zero tolerance policy against discrimination. Maybe they don’t know. But make them! Sorry if I seem upset, it’s just that I’ve gone through months of this BS! If we made three times the amount of rent why the hell would we need a housing voucher. Hope this helps , but ultimately the property will still probably deny you , and in that case, Report them and they will be fined a substantial amount. I know because I’ve done it!
That is exactly what I was thinking. That they could only charge me three times the amount of rent that I pay above the voucher. I’m glad to hear that someone else has done the research and is on the same page as me. So if my housing voucher is for $1,000 and the rent is $1,200 I should only have to prove I have at least $600 a month income for the rent and show that I have enough money to also pay the utilities.
Exactly right. It’s based off of how much you make after the 30% which makes total sense since that’s why were legally paying. Thanks for putting that into perspective. Makes way more sense
What code or statute of refrence did you use to prove that?
I understand what you are saying, but the way you are looking at this is incorrect.
Communities are not required to provide affordable housing if the city has maxed out for the subsidized units, lets say your voucher is for $1924 a month for a one bedroom but you are looking for a market rate community. A one bedroom in the community you want is $2440. That leaves you with $516 that is due for rent not even including utilities which can go up to $200 additional. For people on vouchers they would need to make 3x the difference (3×516). In order to income qualify. Most of the time market rate communities will recommend you contact your case worker as there is additional verification needed to even get a market rate community approved with the housing authority and 9/10 times housing authorities deny the request because you don’t make enough to live at the site.
Who to report them to?
Every property management company is legally allowed to have their own qualifications for perspective tenants. Fair housing laws that are in place to make sure there is no discrimination just stipulate that whatever the rules are to qualify must be used across the board for all applicants. I work in property management. We require 3 x’s the rent in monthly income after taxes, for any section 8 property we require 2 x’s the rent in monthly income after taxes. If the unit rents for $500/ month and is a property that accepts section 8, the perspective tenant must have a minimum monthly net income of $1000. The rent price does not change on our end. The tenant is just responsible for paying 30% and the other 70% is paid by section 8. We also require perspective tenants to have been at their current job for at least 6 months and have a minimum of 1 year prior rental history in good standing. If they do not meet those requirements then they must pay a double deposit. If they don’t meet the income requirements then they have to have a co-signer who’s net income monthly is at least 3 x’s their own rent or mortgage plus 3 x’s the rent of the property that is being applied for. If an applicant has more than 1 prior eviction, owes any previous landlords money, or has any outstanding utility bills they will be denied. Anyone who is not truthful about about anything on their application is immediately denied as well. Any type of benefits that the applicant wants to use as income is considered at 70% its value. We adhere to these rules for all applicants no matter what. We cannot make any acceptations for any reasons so the process stays fair and even without discrimination. We rent to all qualified applicants and who ever is approved first for a property gets it. We cannot hold units for anyone. Everything we do is completely legal. If someone does not like our criteria then they do not have to apply with us. People apply all the time without asking what they need to qualify and then when we process their application and have to deny them because they do not meet qualifications they get very nasty and accuse us of being all kinds of things we most definitely aren’t.
Im about to sue a landlord for blatantly stating that my voucher and tanf is not income and then hanging up on me as I was trying to inform them of the law and that she was discriminating against me. On top of that, she wouldn’t give me a property management name, but after the phone call I did my usual investigative research and found her business name that she actually owns and an extensive list of properties owned by her, so I will be going for the maximum of 4.5x the rent minus $801 so it will be a dollar less than the limit of $10,000
You are so right. The worse part, some of the houses are not worth a dollar amount. Fifth graders may have better solutions to run this country for the most part. Who can up with the idea of houses increasing in value yearly. Houses with no modernization in the same bracket as new construction houses. A 60years old home selling or renting as a modern home. Home buying investment used as collaterals, usually leading to debts until death. Homelessness exists more than you realize.
Everyone complains about 3x rent, wait until you’re a landlord and you try to help people who are struggling and they freeload for 9months. And destroy the place and steal your appliances. You learn that you can’t be be the nice guy, you get always get screwed. There’s a lot of shitty tenants out there that know the system.
Dennis that is a nice assumption you have. Yet you clearly didn’t do a background check on these tenants you rent to. There is a difference between a struggling drug addict who can’t keep a job vs someone who has worked for 1-3 years making minumum wage or a poor college student. Also there’s been landlords who are shady as hell and do things like sell rooms for sex or evict even if the tenants been paying. The fact people can’t rent through normal means increases this issue
That was my thought, isn’t that what the background check is for? Rental history and landlord verifications as well as the verification of income? This is really ridiculous and given America’s history, I really see it as another way of redlining I’m disguise. It’s really disgusting. Average rents right now are around $1400-$1800 to rent a decent size home or apartment depending on the area you are in, so you are telling me if I want to rent a unit for about $1400 a month I have to make almost $5,000 a month?! That’s crazy! Most people aren’t even making that much, especially if you’re black tbh. That would mean I’d need to be making $1000.00 minimum per week ( and that’s gross, doesn’t include what your check looks like after taxes are taken out), and if I’m luck to have a full time (40hrs not 30 or 35) schedule that would mean I need to be making at least $26/hr. What average regular job is paying that? Even the “good” jobs aren’t paying that. Especially without a degree. You’d have to be making almost $30/hr full time to live comfortably in America. And forget if you are single or a single parent. Lol. This is seriously not right. America is a freaking joke. This is why it’s all about to come crashing down.
So don’t be a landlord lol
Get a job then 🙂 all landlords go to hell
Honestly I think it is wrong to assumption that because someone lives on low income they are all of the sudden free loaders looking to take advantage of the situation and the landlord. At one point in time I was disabled and could not work in my early 20’s so I ended up living on fixed income from social security until I could get back on my feet again. I ended up in an apartment approved by Hud Housing and section 8 due to my situation.
Not once did I ever steal anything from the appliances and not once did I miss a rent payment. You could ask any of my neighbors and they will confirm I was one of the nicest and peaceful neighbors ever who never caused trouble. In fact one of the neighbors would knock on my door from time to time to make sure I was still breathing because of how quiet and peaceful I was. I always kept to myself and my landlord even said he was sad to see me leave when I left. Please do not assume as a landlord that just because you had a few bad eggs that all the eggs in the carton are bad. Not all of us take advantage of certain situations.
Sorry to say this but it is you that does not know the system.
EXACTLY!!! And that’s what ticks me off about these places. I’m on SSDI, my daughter is on SSI, SSDA and child support, I’m paying my own rent, I recently extended my stay at my present residence because of this very reason,
I paid $927 CASH, but yet because Soc Sec Adm doesn’t pay me 3xs the income, I’m not good enough to rent a unit. I don’t get food stamps either. I have 100% payment history, no felonies, no evictions, no bankruptcies, and no broken leases, but I’m STILL not good enough. I call all of this B. S.
So what can we do about it
It’s all a way to keep the blacks out of the white neighborhoods.PERIOD..they assume that we are all trouble!!! Which is NOT TRUE. The 3 times the rent rule should be NON EXISTENCE because its bias! It discrimination!!!! Why should what I make determine if I can move to a better neighborhood..AS LONG AS I PAY THE RENT right and as long as I pay it LEGALLY is what matters right??? Because I could make 3 times the rent but lose my job..so what’s the point. LIFE HAPPENS SOMETIMES…EVEN TO THE WEALTHY.
Yes, This is called Financial discrimination. I have always paid my rent, never even a late notice. I have no debt and will never put myself in debt. I started looking for another apartment as the building I live in is next to I-5 in Seattle and the pollution from the freeway is making me sick. 3x the rent in a city where studios are 1,300 per month on average. Must be nice to make that kind of money. So I stay put, breathing in car fumes. When I moved in I didn’t realize how bad the air would be. Hybrid cars and busses do not make any difference when still so many vehicles are running on exclusively gas and diesel. What a huge mistake.
But you could and you should be getting the Social Services and funding and housing you deserve. Get into the system. You or your daughter qualifies for a Social Worker. I’m not sure how your state is set up but most paperwork can be started online. ( I’m Disabled so know the drill. Real well.) Granted, the housing part can take a while. Definitely have to be patient.
There are also A LOT of young families just trying to get by that can’t provide such outrageous numbers. I am older and have a very good job, my husband is retired and has a pension and we still don’t make the amount of money they are asking our daughter and young family to produce. Although I am willing to co-sign for the property in our area they then require 5x the rent…. Makes zero sense. What about those people that don’t want to take from an already taxed system and want to make it on their own? It’s almost like they are being forced to apply for assistance which should be criminal.
not all of us are like that at all
Everybody isn’t the same. I understand your point and most landlords got screwed during the pandemic but with section 8 they are paying the bulk. People who are on section 8 only have to pay a portion of 30%. Most people who are on section 8 barely makes 1 x the rent let alone 3. What about people with disabilities and young kids. If landlords check on their homes every three to six months or even more often then that then you’ll know what’s going on with your property. I get but don’t rent to them at all. They can’t afford it any way at least not 3 times the rent.
And the landlords/ property managers always get the shit end of the deal. The courts always side with the tenants and if it comes down to eviction it takes forever and costs a lot! Our local court has made it mandatory to have a mediation for all evictions now. People that are squatters and are there illegally get rights and ruin properties and nothing happens to them. It’s crazy
You are absolutely right! I rented out
my granny flat to a family who were the nicest people……. until I complained about a pet they never mentioned and ALL HELL broke loose. How DARE I ask for a pet deposit!!! Who do I think I am??? The OWNER?? Needless to say, after their lease was up, they stole my air conditioners, a 10×12 rug I had in the livingroom, heaters and a TV they were borrowing until they got one. I know….I know…. I’m an idiot.
You don’t need three times the rent on section 8, they charge you 30% of your income. So if you only make $1000 a month they will charge you $300 a month for rent. Section 8 housing doesn’t have fixed rent rates, it’s a percentage based off of your income.
Thank you! Christian 🙂 I am still on the wait list, but the women whom is supposed to be manager for one place in San Luis Obispo knows this, yet she was demanding 3 times the rent. Not 30% of my income. I am disable too!
Section 8 charges you 30% of the rent for the unit and they pay the other 70%. The rent price is set by owner of the property and doesn’t change just because the applicant for that property has a section 8 voucher. That voucher is just a guaranteed payment of 70% of whatever the rent price is. The company I work for requires applicants with a section 8 voucher to still have a minimum monthly net income of 2’s the rent. That tenant would still have to pay their 30% plus utilities and all other living costs so the income must be verified to ensure the applicant can afford it. If an apartment is $1000 a month and accepts section 8 it doesn’t mean it’s only available for people on section 8. An applicant without S8 would need to have a minimum monthly take home income of $3,000 to qualify. An applicant with S8 would need to have a minimum monthly take home income of $2,000. S8 would pay $700 of the rent each month and the tenant would pay $300
You possibly are lacking the specific paperwork needed to qualify for the discounted rent. You either need a copy of the Social Security approval or Judgement that shows you are Disabled or notes from two of your Health Care Providers stating you are Disabled according to the Federal guidelines. Look up on socialsecuritydisability.gov.
The rules are very strict. Your income must also be within certain parameters also. It may be good to research to find out the specifics for HUD. There is very little wiggle room when you first move in. Afterwards, you can deduct quite a bit for medical expenses with Dr orders for any condition directly related to your Disability and lower your rent.
The 3 times the rent rule is pathetic, no wonder America has a homeless problem, it’s an excuse to keep the middle class, and low income people in peril, say you eye an Apt for say..1000 a month, yet you can’t lease it because you don’t make 4000 a month..pathetic if you make 4000 or more a month you might as well get a house..I’m a vet living on a pension and I got turned down twice because of this 3 times the rent jive…yet America can give Ukrainians free room or board..pathetic.
Country has tons of help for those who immigrate here while we who have poured our blood sweat and tears into making this land of opportunity so enticing to the world’s huddled masses struggle to stay afloat
No, America does NOT give refugees and immigrants free housing.
There is government funding set aside for this.
Don’t rant about “stuff” that isn’t a fact.
True Christian but here in Jax Fl they are requiring even those with vouchers to show 3x the rent. It’s sad
Exactly! I’m on Social security disability income and low income and there is no way that I would ever make three times the amount of rent. It is ridiculous and unfair to us all SSDI and low income persons. We are pushed to the side and not considered. Thank you Shawn Matthews for your very kind heart. God bless you and I wish you all the best in your home buying journey. We need more people like you. Take care and be safe.
Yes! I understand, my mother is on social security disability, she has a illness that prevent her from working. She put herself through college got a RN degree but got real sick in her late 30s She can’t even get into a retirement home if she wanted to. So I take care of her but it’s hard to find a place on our income she gets 912 a month that’s it!! And I have a full-time job of $18 an hour plus part time of 17 an hour and it’s still not enough for a 17, 18 or $1900 place for 2 bedrooms. And yes I looked into a one bedroom and we still don’t make enough plus we would have to pay for storage for the rest of our things if we got a one bedroom. I already have my own montly bills like car notes, car insurance, gas, etc. We looked into social services for help and they said we make to much to get rent assistance for vouchers like seriously!!?? And we also put our names on the list for subsidized homes but their is a waiting list and the apartments we saw on the list was around the same price of regular apartments so where is the discount? It’s just messed up and evil that we and other people who falls in this category can’t find a place that will help. Oh and the 3x rule has reached over in VA, Washington DC, and MD
I’m hoping you already had this cleared up but even being married or not married or simply roommates. Both incomes can be combined to make that 3 times the rent it does not need to be 6 times. I can see where that could get confusing. Good lucki
I can see how difficult this can be. I was blessed in the nursing field for the 16 years I worked in that career. I also worked prior to that as a medical assistant to different physicians. So the jobs I held down prior to being injured and eventually landing on disability paid well. With social security disability based on what you pay in which is the luck of the draw considering you never expect this to happen. I’ve been fortunate enough for my monthly payment to be 2200 a month and my underage daughter is paid 1000 a month until she reaches the age of 19.
And then factors such as cost of living and costs on certain apartments can be three times as much and not near as nice as another that’s much cheaper depending on where they are located
No there not they still asking 3 times the rent
I am a disabled senior and must have an attached garage. I can’t even get an apt because I do not have 3 times rent. Been out of PT since pandemic started as I cannot get to my car which is parked a block away. Only handicapped parking. I have no bills and good credit well over 700.
it is discrimination against disabled people at the very least and should be illegal. They want us all to move to the middle of nowhere and stare at the wall til we die.
I can assure you that is not what anyone wants. It is not discriminating against anyone. Some places have an income requirement to qualify while others use credit scores. There has to be verified proof that a person can afford to pay their rent. I’m sorry that is difficult for low income people but it is not different than anything else. Go to a bank and try to get a loan. They will verify that one can pay the payments or they will not give it to them. You cannot fault property owners for protecting their interests. No one ever wants to do an eviction and if it comes down to it they take forever and cost the property owner a lot of money. The majority of landlords are not making huge profits and when they get a tenant who cannot pay their rent and then refuses to leave the property it becomes a nightmare. Just because a property owner is looking out for their own finances does not mean they are trying to harm anyone else. You really need to take a step back and try to understand both sides of the situation.
I make $45k a year and can’t show 3x rent in Charleston SC or surrounding areas. Its just heartbreaking.
Both me and my fiancé make way more than minimum wage, but we are not married and we still don’t make 3x! I am a teacher and he works in a factory! We have two children and we both have to qualify for 3x the rent?! What about unmarried couples with children that only one partner works while the other is a stay at home parent? They gotta be homeless to stay together or he lives there and she lives in some other place! I say if one or both can afford together it should count, why should a couple need to make 6x the rent together to be able to rent somewhere?
You made me cry!! This is exactly what me and my fiancé are going through. We have thousands saved up, he’s been at his job for awhile making 16h. We’re very frugal and never take or have more than we need. We have 3 daughters but we have no children together. We’re literally just trying to get out his parents house because they’re the types who help the people who take advantage, but disown the people who actually care. I just want peace with my children.
It does not matter if you are married or not. It goes of the household income and the combined income of the people applying. No different for an unmarried couple than 2 friends than want to be roommates. Married, unmarried, roommates…its all the same. The income requirement is 3 x’s the rent accumulative between the applicants. If the rent is $1000 and you make $2000 and your partner makes $1000 or visa versa or anyway you slice it as long as between the 2 of you you can meet the income requirement you’re good. I process applications like this and approve them every single day.
as a landlord, I can tell you that 2X is not enough. Even at 2.5, too many people can’t handle their finances well enough to manage to stay away from eviction. Evictions are expensive in general not counting the 2 or 3 months of lost rental income and abuse your property will probably take. Of course the banks, taxing authorities, insurance companies and utility companies don’t care as the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utility bills continue to eat your lunch. You can use whatever algorithm you like but I can pretty much guarantee you will be sorry with 2x.
I wish everyone was as brilliant & kind hearted as you are.
Agree
I feel more should be taken into consideration the 3 times the rent. When I finally got approval for social security disability after a 3 year fight during that time my credit score naturally plummeted. Prior to my accident I was a full time registered nurse making good money had a house car young kids etc etc
Needless to say lost the house among other things so when I was finally able to rent they did have the 3 times the rent clause but also due to my poor credit score I had to pay a higher deposit. None of this bothered me I knew it was going to be a process. Then after moving from there getting back the larger deposit helped with the next place I rented for 300 more a month. I had to slowly work my way back up and prove I was a good tenant and never missed a single rent payment. These recommendations have changed the way landlords look at me even if I don’t make quite the three times as other factors I can now bring in.
But section 8 does not have to show they make 3 time the amount they simply apply and based on their income and if within their poverty guidelines they pay 30% of their pay. And there are no section 8 buildings or apartments that allow anyone that does not qualify for section 8. Those apartments when advertised they are taking applications you are not able to see inside pics and they do not list rent rates since it’s based on that individuals income. It’s very closed off and one has to apply and set up a meeting to determine if they qualify
Exactly, I agree with you!! This law from 1937 based on Section 8 has been a challenge for families to afford a home and credit scores and credit reports, It’s a MONOPOLY in the MATRIX!! It definitely pushes us to greatness like what you plan to do with buying homes and flipping them. I’m in the process of getting my real estate license. We have to make a WAY where there is no WAY!!
right i don’t get it im on section 8 and they just told me if i rented an apartment for 2000 a month and i had 6000 in the bank then i would not be on section 8 any longer…so how does that work
Your ass shouldn’t be on section 8 . This sis the problem also people that think they should get shit handed to them . You have a savings which most Americans do not especially Simone that needs section 8 . Get your tubes tide and do not bring another leech into this world
How very parasitic of you to troll a helpful group discussion regarding a very important topic.
You’re ignorant and rude and you better hope one day your ass isnt homeless out on the street with a sign. I wouldnt drop a dime in your cup
screw with the poor and God will screw with you, that’s why judgement is coming soon!
How awful to speak in such an unkind way. This is a place for questions and answers of information not personal opinion esp one that Carries so much hatred. Find God I promise it will change your life for the better
You don’t need three times the rent for section 8 housing, they charge you around 30% of your income. So if you make $1000 a month they will only charge you about $300 for rent. Section 8 housing doesn’t have fixed rent rates, it’s a percentage based off of your income. It’s designed to offer cheap and affordable housing for those who need it the most (you have to be below the poverty line to qualify).
you are right i am on sectin 8 and what it is they are wrong we have to pay 30 percent of what ever money we get every month for instance say you make 1000 a month your part of rent is only 300 so you need 3 times of your amount which would be 900 a month they can’t include the remaining 700 against you because you are not responsible for that..this three times the rent shit has nothing to do with section 8
If not in section 8 Luke myself I believe it’s should be the 30% of the rent for the 3 times the rent that’s calculated. Like if the rent is 1500 or 2000 a month 30% *3 so either 450×3 or 600X3 u digg
It makes sense because section 8 has limits on whst a land lord can charge. That is why a landlord or house has to be section 8 approved
Exactly! This government needs to do something ASAP about this stupid bullshit! People are already suffering and then they won’t raise the damn minimum wages in Georgia, you’re right hell, if I made 2, 3, or 4 times the damn rent I WOULDN’T NEED SECTION 8 DUMMIES! THIS is just asinine! Biden and Harris need to do something about this housing CRISIS NOW!
For low income housing, you cant make too much. They need to have more than 30% of their income devoted to renting. This could be 50%, or even 80% of their income. It’s almost the opposite of the 3 times rule because you have to earn less than 3 times the cost of rent. Hopefully that helps.
I don’t believe you are understanding how the 3X the rent rule works with Section 8. I used to have Hud housing which is similar to Section 8. They take your income and calculate how much 30% of that comes to. With 30% that leaves you with a 70% income margin which means that you do make 3X the rent. Say if an apartment for 1 bed 1 bath is $1,500 a month they are not saying that a person on Section 8 needs to make 3X that amount. They are stating that the person needs to make 3X 30% of their income which if we do the math no matter how much or how little a person makes with just 30% income you will always have that 70% margin so by Section 8 standards you will always make 3X the rent.
Renting without Section 8 and paying full price for a place is a different story since we don’t all make 3X the rent. My case is I no longer qualify for Section 8 or Hud Housing because I make too much money to be considered low income but I also do not make 3X the rent. I asked about credit checks and about bigger down payments but was denied and I have no family willing to co-sign for me so I am screwed stuck living with a roommate until god knows when.
I suggest figuring up your monthly income and diving that by 3 and that will tell you what rent rate your would qualify for. $1000/mo. you’d need $3000 in income but if you don’t make $3000 but only $2400 divide that by 3 and you get $800 so you look for something in that price range you can afford for now.
There is nothing for 800 a month- not even a room in someone’s house- Florida is awful in limited housing- there is NO affordable housing here- I literally had to pack my car and move to Tampa to get a full time job, from Sarasota, I’m 53, female, life went sideways for me and I’m pretty much almost homeless. I’ve worked my whole life, no kids, no pets- and I owned my own homes. But don’t make 3x the rent- but I do make the actual rent with savings- and still don’t have enough to even apply. Unless you could prove you make three or four times the amount of rent they won’t even give you an application. Since when did having legal full-time work fiscal responsibility no convictions no evictions become not important to rent a place?
i here you there they need to re think 🤔 this logic so why don’t people protest this
Exactly! That is part of the problem with landlords. I can see both sides of the fence. But here is my opinion. As long as you are a landlord, you are going to be at risk for evictions. Also, just because a person makes 3x the rent when they move in, does not mean they will not fall on hard times and lose their job or some hardship that prevents the person from paying their rent. Catastrophe doesn’t discriminate and can force anyone into a bad spot! So there is absolutely no logic in that method. So if you don’t want to be at risk for forcing an eviction then don’t be a landlord.
Property owner have to be smart and have something to base off of. You suggest they should just rent to anyone who says they can afford it? There is a formula and criteria for a reason. Of coarse things can happen but property owners have to find qualified tenants.
Because at 3x the rent rate at income restricted property, is not that high in comparison. If your rent is $1000/month, you have to make $3000/month. It is actually fortunate that these policies are in effect because landlords now are screwing themselves. In Florida, they are raising rent to $2100+/month. That means they are not going to approve anyone that makes less than $73000/year. That means all of those people who would be their normal demographic (that could afford their rent prices at what would be the normal rate of $1300-$1600) are unable to qualify. Anyone who makes median income should be able to qualify to reside in a normal apartment community. They’re all demanding a demographic that doesn’t equate with what they offer. If I can afford $2200/month rent, that means I can afford an over $350000 mortgage. Why would I rent? I am so looking forward to watching all of these greedy commercial rental properties, entertainment industries, etc. crumble due to their own greed and taking advantage of people that are working beyond double-time to survive. For many, bankruptcy is right around the corner.
you are absolutely correct. Section 30% does not mean the renter has to make 3 x the rent. Only that they pay 30 percent of their income towards rent. However, section 8 does requiring you make enough income to initially afford the place but not at 3 x the damn rent
Not true I’m on disability because of cerebral palsy and section 8 and I get denied apartments because I don’t make 2.5 times the rent and I’m about to lose section 8 because I can’t find a rental that will approve me
Section 8 is to help to pay portion of the rent based on that specific persons income. So yes, you can make less than 3x amount of rent but your portion will be 30% or less of your specific income. Rest of the rent will be covered by Section 8.
Example : Apartment Rent is $1000. You make $ 2100 a month. You will not qualify on your own since you do not make $3000. Section 8 will require you to pay 1/3 of YOUR income which is $2100:3= $700. and Section 8 will pick up the remaining $300.
I thinks that’s wrong asking 3 x’s the amount especially with this covid that’s wrong in so many ways wonder why everyone is homeless or living in there campers.
You are on point. I am having that problem of 3 times the rent in my apartment search. Also problems
with ignored repairs and mold infestation. But Landlord still wants that high amount rent money. In spite of me having Covid previously and may have it now. Paid rent timely and still pays. 71 years old retired from COJ saw that housings is a dirty racketeering business in most cases. People will ruin your life when advocating against betterment in housings. Yet I am Grateful for those on the front line advocating.
Yes.couples
Can mot get.sectiom 8 rents
Assitants
Both of them earn
To much income together
So.dose it mean.they gotta split up
To get approved
On hud rentals
?.
You said it. If apartments are 1600 in Massachusetts who makes over 4800 a month. Not me and i make 19 an hour
Exactly! This government needs to do something ASAP about this stupid bullshit! People are already suffering and then they won’t raise the damn minimum wages in Georgia, you’re right hell, if I made 2, 3, or 4 times the damn rent I WOULDN’T NEED SECTION 8 DUMMIES! THIS is just asinine! Biden and Harris need to do something about this housing CRISIS NOW!
You should do more research and get informed. Raising the min wage just makes the price of everything else get higher like is happening everywhere. It’s called inflation
Entitled rich people love that lie, don’t they? If prices and wages actually went hand in hand then they would always increase together and we wouldn’t have this problem. But prices outpace wages by quite a lot because people like you parrot that lie while ignoring the fact that it’s one way. Prices go up, wages stay the same. Wages go up, prices go up. I’m not sorry that you don’t like reality and don’t want to acknowledge when people who already have money are lying. I’m just sorry for everyone around you who has to put up with your willful ignorance. 3000 for a 1 bed one bath as of 2022. If I had 9000 in disposable income per month I would save up and buy a house. What the greedy liars are looking for doesn’t exist. They keep raising prices because they tell themselves the same lie. That it’s someone else’s fault. It’s their fault for not thinking and I hope how soon they bankrupt themselves because I cannot think of a single rich person willing to put up with even half of the things and apartment says you can’t do or refuses to provide. 3000 for a place with one room, one bath, small kitchen, no in unit laundry, and a coin operated on site that’s overpriced and filled with the smallest and cheapest appliances. No one who makes 9000 a month will rent that even if only 6000 of it is disposable income. Now factor in the price gouging at the fuel pump and ask yourself how many people are able to live a long drive away from work anymore? None. Even if they were willing to it’s no longer possible. Reality has limits and when people try to cheat those limits and lie to others to make it happen it only works for so long before it crashes. It’s as simple as all of that.
I agree, if your retured on ssi have paying your bills on time its almost impossible for someone on ssibto meet the 3 times income. No wonder we have so many people living on the streets. These landlords are greedy, you can make the 3 times but that does not mean you will pay your rent. Doesnt make since. If these landlords would rent with 1st last and security there wouldnt be so many homeless people in the USA.Helpvthe illegal immigrants but keep the Anerican people on the streets. We need more Godly People. My heart breaks for the honest people that are trying to have a home to live in but can’t cause the greedy landlords think the rent will be payed cause there income is 3 times the rent. Wrong. I wish I had money to buy homes ect to beable to rent to people looking for a safe home to live in. This is a terrible world were living in. God Bless the people that are trying to rent but doesn’t have 3 times the income. All you need is a heart, if these greedy landlords were in the situation that these poor people are in maybe then they would see what there doing to people. I think its sinful to be so greedy. I never had 3 times my income. My bills are always payed on time. When I rented the home was better than before I moved in.
Exactly! This government needs to do something ASAP about this stupid bullshit! People are already suffering and then they won’t raise the damn minimum wages in Georgia, you’re right hell, if I made 2, 3, or 4 times the damn rent I WOULDN’T NEED SECTION 8 DUMMIES! THIS is just asinine! Biden and Harris need to do something about this housing CRISIS NOW!
I mean I was definitely with you the whole way … but I don’t understand what you meant when you said the government helped the immigrants and kept us homeless…. Too be honest it has nothing to do with them. Most of them live together in families in one home like it will be3-4 families in one three bed room house. This I have seen. And they work probably harder than half the people I have had the displeasure in having work for me. I’m a manager and by my self alone . I still don’t make enough to pay three times the rent . I make 16 an hour. It is just ridiculous! But the thing is all of this is because of the government! It’s called control! Until the people stand as a collective nothing will change! We have rich folk running this country that doesn’t know struggle and hardship! Maybe a few here and there have contributed along the way… but ultimately they sleeping real good in their bed every single night!
Oh I meant to say the only thing I could afford with three times my income is some ran down shack I wouldn’t even let an animal stay in! Like seriously so outdated my last place had freaking termites . And I couldn’t have less than 3200 to live there. Like what the hell! A one bedroom apartment literally the floors had like dips in it! Shower leaked into downstairs apartment ! One of them actually caught fire next to me . Sad as hell !!
Exactly or it’s in a horrible part of town or bad schools or high crime areas. So then you either live in hell or live with family and neither one of those options are good
If you don’t have the income you’re going to need to find a roommate or a cheap place to live. The cost of everything has went up considerably and it’s not going back down. People need to start figuring out solutions instead of complaining and making everything someone else fault
This is true! I know someone who is a nurse and made easily 10 times the rent of any place she lived in. Not only that but she would shameless steal money from literally all of her relatives if they let her. All of that income and she got evicted from every single place she rented because she C H O S E not to pay her rent and instead spend that money on cocaine. Yet later on she was still allowed to buy a house without settling any of her debts first. Meanwhile her nieces and nephews and siblings who work honest jobs and have never done drugs can’t even rent a place anymore with clean rental history. I know all of this first hand because I am one of those relatives she so often stole from. If landlords actually wanted to protect their investments they would factor in rental history at least in addition to income and credit score, plus they would actually include rent payment as part of the credit score for future landlords to see. It’s just financial discrimination plain and simple. I would say there ought to be a law, but there are already several laws. It’s just that those of us who are harmed by this behavior can’t afford to act on them.
I agree and, it SHOULD BE illegal. Great people fall on hard times. It’s not fair to ANYONE to be subject to such an unreachable “rule”.
The way I see it is, if a tenant doesn’t pay the rent agreed upon, evict them(unless it’s due to a worldwide pandemic).
As long as you earn “THE RENT” PERIOD, that should be acceptable by private landlords as well as realty companies.
The cost of the rent isn’t multiplied 3X’s. So, why does earning 3x’s the rent even matter. Something devised by some butt hole to make living comfortable difficult to impossible. Should be illegal.
Section 8 does require participants to make 3 x the rent. That’s false.
What about people that are on ssdi??
Or SSI….SSI in part are disabled individuals that dont have enough paid in to qualify for disability..Like myself have almost never worked…I receive $793 a month and it looks like im going to be on the streets after im done caring for my 89 year old mom.
They just do this to keep our people of color..Its just that simple..
I agree with you
I’m white, retired military and I don’t have 3x income. I am about to be homeless
I am right there with you. I receive SSDI & SSI and combined I only make $791 per month and there is no way I could ever make 3 times the amount. I worry every month, wondering if I am going to be evicted from where I rent now. I worry that I will be homeless. Very scary.
I worked 27 years & I get the same amount of SSI as you. And according to SS they say I need to work 3 more if I want a bigger payment. And I can barely walk. I’m learning to live with my small SSI benefit.
I have the same problem. I need an apt in 2 months, because my landlord is selling the one I am in. I have lived here for 21 years, and am on ssi. I live with my son, who has been disabled since birth, and I am his caregiver. He gets disability, but gets much more then I do, because he gets it off of his fathers social security number. Then my brother broke his femur, and lives with us also. Between the 3 of us, we make enough to not only pay our rent the last 21 years, but to pay all of our bills. Even during the pandemic. I have a fico score of 650, but neither of them, has any credit at all. My landlord has given us an amazing refference, yet no one will rent to us. Do we not deserve a roof over our heads, just because we don’t make 3 times the rent? We are very quiet people, and get. Along great with neighbors, but I think we’re going to end up in the streets. I am so worried, and we don’t deserve to be treated like this. We don’t have a savings act, but that does not mean we can’t pay our bills. I just don’t know what to do anymore. We will be in the streets very soon, if something does not change.
That’s why this stupid, inhumane rule SHOULD be illegal and, anyone reported using that rule, have their property seized and fined as well as 30 days jail time.
What ever happened to the “FAIR HOUSING ACT”.
All that should matter to ANY landlord is that, the tenant has the ability to pay the rent PERIOD.
If the rent is $500.00 monthly, and the tenant is paid $550.00 a month but, STILL PAYS RENT ON TIME ANYWAY, that’s ALL that should matter to the landlord. Hell, if the tenant just chooses not to pay rent, evict them, easy fix. As far as I’m concerned, USA war Veterans, elderly and fixed income recipients should be exceptions to this stupid, unnecessary, heartless rule. EXEMPT PERIOD!!!!!!!!
Evictions are not an easy fix. Landlords eat the cost of the tenant not paying rent or water bill. Once the eviction process starts it can take two months or more to legally receive possession of the landlords property ( the home). Just having gone through this I can attest that the combined cost of lost rent due to tenants non payment and time to go through court resulted in a loss of $5000.00. Don’t forget that the landlord still must pay taxes and utilities on said property. It’s not about greed. The rent charged goes to cover taxes and property maintenance. Anything left over is the landlords income.
what does that have to do with 3x the rent requirement. Renters who meet the requirement can stiff you.
There are many jobs out there for disabled people. No one owes you, me, or anyone else anything. Find a solution to your problem don’t keep waiting for someone to hand you something
Yes.I got turned down
Every were
Id went
To apply for standard
Rents
They mandated
Id earn
2x ?& 3x times gross.the rent momthy.or Id not get those apts
Either
Only if
I had
A room mate
Or c/o signer
Family or friends
Or partner.to assit me.to pay there rents. No.!!!!.u arent.getting approved.on standard rents
On ssdI
Social securtiy payments only
They will mot rent to u.becase.u do not earn
Enough money
Which
To me.is un fair houseimg acts.
It’s not their fault you don’t make enough money. They have bills to pay too. Find a roommate or family member if you can’t do it on your own. Ridiculous to think that somehow a landlord owes you anything special
Rental companies are requiring each tenant over 18 meet three times the rent income. They do not combine incomes to meet the criteria. This is in case one may move out. It’s excessive, unreasonable, and discriminatory. They shoot themselves in the foot over a presumption or possibility. They say the rule is in place to protect against possible loss of rent, yet they’d let a place be vacant waiting on the near impossible. Sad. Kind of like your trolling here.
we are expected to rot and die
Is there a limit as to how many times the rent a landlord can ask for
Hi Cheryl,
Since there is no law that regulates the minimum or maximun that a landlord can ask, there is not a limit for this. However, asking for 2 o 3 times the rent is the most common, while some times landlords can also ask for up to 4 times the rent.
Landlord are especially careful right now during Covid since there are no evictions allowed. If a landlord owns 3 units and their total mortgage including principle, interest, taxes & insurance for all three units is $3000 and rents are $1200 per unit, the landlord can pay their mortgage and expenses and have a maximum of $600 left over every month for incidentals, other expenses and hopefully some profit.
If even one of those units has a hardship and can’t pay their rent, the landlord will be short $600 every month with no way to evict (due to Covid restrictions). IF all three stop paying rent for two or three months, the landlord would likely go into foreclosure and lose everything they’ve worked to build.
Regarding the 3x rule. If you are currently on disability or housing assistance, this is figured into your income. So for example, if you’re receiving $1200 in housing assistance and $800 for SSI, and $1000 in W2 income, you can afford a $1000 apartment ($1200 + $800 +$1000 = $3000 / 3 = $1000).
I hope this helps
Thank you. Very informative. As a landlord it is really tuff also during theses times for everyone. I release a tenant from her contract, because she couldn’t afford rent nor utilities due to the pandemic. There so many program for people with low income and as a small property owener, it’s hard to qualify for programs because you fall in the middle somewhere. I’m simpathy to peoples needs, but as a landlord you have to look out for you and your famliy best interest as well. I now have 2 household to maintain, while carefully considerating a new tenant.
Thanks for the explanation, but im still confused.. My question is…Am I allowed to show the landlord my savings account that equals to 3 times the rent, but it only shows enough for 1 month, incase of an emergency? will that be enough for them to approve me for an apartment or does it need to be consistly earned money? I do plan to have a job and continue my side hustle.
This doesn’t help us at all. We’re a family of 3, on disability. Housing does not have the money to help us at all. We tried. I get $794 a month, from ssi, my son gets $14,47 a month from disability and my brother gets $2000 a month. I am the only one with credit at all, but it’s only fair credit, and I pay $100% ontime every month, but use too much of it, and that’s why it’s only fair. Right now my fico score is 650, but it fluctuates, because sometimes I need to use the credit, for my sons health, and I am his caregiver. It never goes below 600. Between the 3 of us, we can afford a 3 bedroom apt for no more then $1800. Yet no one will rent to us because neither of them have any credit, and we have to put our money together to pay our rent, with no savings for any of us. We don’t make the 3 times amount of the rent, but if we only have to pay one time the amt of rent monthly, then why should we need 3 times the amt? We have lived in our beautiful, 3 bedroom, 2 and half bathroom townhouse, with eat in kitchen, for 21 years, and have always paid our rent, and every other bill, even during the pandemic, when most people didn’t. We will be paying a lot more, for a lot less then we have now. The apts I have seen in our price range, have such tiny bedrooms. Our bedrooms are huge, compared to what I have been looking at, but at this point, we just want a roof over our heads, and would take anything, even though we will have to throw some of our furniture out, since the apts are nothing compared to what we have had, the past 21 years. I pay $1450 right now, but will have to pay $1750- $1800 for a 3 bedroom, tiny apt, and there are so few of them. I am sick about it. I don’t think it’s fair, to expect people to make 3 times the rent. My landlord has given us a glowing refference. Do you think, we don’t deserve a roof over our heads, just because we don’t make 3 times the rent?
that is not how housing assistance works 3000 doesn’t mean you can afford a 1000 apartment. with housing assistance it doesn’t matter how much money you get its always going to be 30% of your income is all you have to pay for rent and they pay the remaining ..as long as you can always pay 50.00 rent they will pay the remaining. example your apartment is 1000 a month and you make 1000 a month 30 percent of your wages will be 300 so your rent out of your pocket is 300 and you will need to make 3 times that which is 900 to rent it but if the rent is 2000 you still only are going to pay your 300
It does! Thank you?!
your information and calculation is inaccurate learn what section 8 is before you try to explain please. A person is given a certain amount according to their household size. Your income determines how much you will pay towards the rent Factual example a household os given a 3 bedroom voucher in a specific county each county in each state has different values the amount is 2100 which means you have to find a 3bedroom equal to less than that amount. Lets say they found something for the exact amount…Now let’s use the families income lets say its 28000 annually.. cause it goes by annual income then their are deductions disability and children lets say this person has a disability and 5 children they are entitled to a 400 disability deduction and 300 per child yearly under the age of 18 from their annual income. 28000-400-1500=26100… 26100÷12= 2175×.30= 652.50 is the amount of rent the tenant would pay out of the 2100… the person can afford a house or apartment for 2100 and only have to pay their portion while section 8 pays the rest directly to the landlord… FACTS
Thanks for this clarification
WOW!!!!!
The “COVID RESTRICTIONS” should also mandate that, banks or whoever, CANNOT SEIZE PROPERTIES FROM LANDLORDS DUE TO TENANTS NOT BEING ABLE TO PAY RENT FOR THE DURATION OF THE PANDEMIC, DISASTER, ETC….
If the State/Government can bring in and give away Trillions of dollars in freaking lottery winnings/tickets, then why can’t this kind of thing be waived?
Then the song says:
“I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free. And I can’t forget the men who DIED TO GIVE THAT RIGHT TO ME. And I’ll “proudly” stand up next to you and defend you still today. And there ain’t no doubt I live this land, God bless the USA”….
“Pledge Of Allegiance”
“Star Spangled Banner”
These are suppose to stand for something and protect AMERICANS.
This country has become lost, corrupted and money hungry. Greedy, unfair, heartless, mindless, unsympathetic, evil, careless Government, Local, State, Country leaders.
MAKE THAT RULE ILLEGAL AND PUNISHABLE BY JAIL AND FINE AS WELL AS PROPERTY SEIZURE….
Usa has always been that way, every since this land has gotten STOLEN from the NATIVE AMERICANS!! NOBODY IS “FREE”! TAKE A LONG HARD LOOK AT THIS COUNTRY.. ONLY THE SENSIBLE CAN SEE IT. CREDIT CARDS, BANKS, SS #’s ,TAXES ETC.. are all placed there for specific agendas. TO MAKE OR BREAK WHOMEVER THEY WANT AND MUCH MUCH MORE!
Bravo 👏
the explanation does not justify the actions
Thanks
HELL NO, IT DOESN’T HELP AND IT SHOULD BE CONDEMNED NOW!
That would be the ideal way for calculation, but I have seen too many landlords unwilling to accept combined amounts.
I understand that landlord stands to lose too if tenants don’t pay. I’ve seen property management companies downsize during the pandemic because they are receiving less rent money. In turn, people are laid off, and now they are in a position of uncertainty in which they are unable to afford their rent or fall behind on payments. Then their landlord can’t afford the property and it just keeps cycling. We should support both sides. Evictions shouldn’t be an awful process for the landlord either because when it happens, they become less and less likely to consider being generous. We need to look at how we can all support each other to quality of life and in turn, I do believe, less people would become of homeless or reduce the worry of every becoming homeless. My idea although needs to be polished is if someone is at risk of not paying their rent on time, then the tenant should get connected to program to review their situation. Sometimes things happen but our lack of knowledge causes us to follow the wrong decisions and fall into debt. Both tenant and landlord should have access to the program information. The program should be mandatory and that way the tenant has the opportunity to correct/resolve the problem while providing grace/assistance to landlord to ensure they get what is owed and are entitled to. It should go to court when tenant is unwilling to participate to correct their ways or don’t care to get out of their situation, then yes, at that point eviction would be the appropriate action.
(Something like 3 month program **program must be flexible too to allow for late hours** versus 9 months of trying to evict someone who probably won’t learn any time soon how to get back on their feet) Why are tenants only eligible for rental assistance AFTER being served notice to quit or evict? I also am starting to think I should make the effort to become a landlord and see if it possible to be “generous”. Then I can offer more background if it is because landlords are “greedy” or because there is a gap in need on both sides?
Thank you!!!
During Covid, the landlord wouldn’t have had to worry about rent getting paid because Section * would pay the rent if the applicant(s) lost their job. Remember applicants only pay 30% of their income so if the applicant(s) lost their job Section 8 would have covered over 95% of the rent.
That’s insane! How can people afford to live on their own with expectations like this? Especially during a pandemic when so many people have been laid off. No wonder there are so many millennials (like myself) that still live with their parents or have roommates. It’s only going to get worse!
And no one thinks about the landlord, they have to feed their families and pay mortgage. Banks don’t give grace period or freebies. Life isn’t fair. I have never seen a tenant ever go back after they’ve gotten back on their feet and payback the landlord for miss rent or damages, even if there was a judgement.
It’s people like you that sceew over good people that can afford to pay rent and not make 3 times their rent. Do you make 3 times your rent? I wonder how many landlords do make 3 times their rent. Very unfair rule..give honest working people a chance to live in a good area and be happy!
My app was not approved after I was told that if I didnt make 65k to pay a 1500 rent I needed to show 5k in the bank. He was a fucking liar. I proved I had much more than that and he still told me sorry even with my W2 and social security. What do they want from people????
Absolutely. Landlords get the shaft all the time and people feel like they are just owed something by landlords who are just trying to get by themselves
Bob, yes no one thinks about the landlord. They all think the landlord is evil. If landlords could evict tenants within a month of no payment then they could ease up on the 3x rent rule. If the eviction process was swift then I would just require first and last with a deposit. Tenants for some reason get it in their head that the evil landlord is taking their full rent payment and buying vacations with it. Wrong! They have to pay the bank a mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, repairs, upgrades, etc. they usually don’t make much money if any until the property is paid off which is 30 yrs!! Landlords are taking all the risk. A tenant can legally live in a property for months while being evicted. Why is it the landlords job to pay your rent? Before someone says “why is it the tenants job to pay your mortgage?” Remember you signed up for it no one forced you to rent from that landlord!
Dude that’s the chances you take being a landlord and a dumb rule like 3x the rent does not GUARANTEE you money but Section 8 does. If a tenant loses his job, their portion of the rent is adjusted. Your rent is a guarantee through the Section 8 program.
This 3x rule us so ridiculous, there needs to be something put in place, to change this rule. Earning 3x times tge rent is often times unrealistic. I can understand 2xs but 3… that’s crazy. So where are people supposed to live , this is why we have such a homeless issue in America. If a person earns. $2500 a month (which is more than mine wage)and is trying to rent an apartment that’s $900.00 , which is not a high scale apt , They won’t qualify! Where are people suppose to live .. on the street or in the slum? Why should people have to live in crack infested neighborhoods because they don’t earn $3000 a month!! Increase wages in this country or change this Ridiculous Rule!!!!!
Your math is off, another issue in American. 3x 900 = $2700.
We need to start a petition against this stupid rule ASAP!
You want the 3x guideline changed? Then change the eviction process to be swift as in within a month. Then the landlord won’t have to risk as much and can ease up on the guidelines. Landlords are protecting themselves against the bull crap laws that allow tenants to freeload. Not saying that all tenants freeload but as a landlord I have to reduce my risk of not getting paid and the best way to do that is get tenants with higher paying stable jobs and good credit. I’ve rented to both high income tenants and low income tenants and I find the higher income are easier to deal with they just pay rent with no excuses every month also if something breaks around the house they can fix it instead of hiding it from the landlord in fear of having to pay for it. The tenants that have money are just less headache for a landlord. As a landlord I’m not running a charity I’m running a business that is helping me set up my retirement. I won’t be profitable on my property until I retire with it paid off.
This 3x rule is so ridiculous, there needs to be something put in place, to change this rule. Earning 3x times the rent is often times unrealistic. I can understand 2xs but 3… that’s crazy. So where are people supposed to live , this is why we have such a homeless issue in America. If a person earns. $2500 a month (which is more than mine wage)and is trying to rent an apartment that’s $900.00 , which is not a high scale apt , They won’t qualify! Where are people suppose to live .. on the street or in the slum? Why should people have to live in crack infested neighborhoods because they don’t earn $3000 a month!! Increase wages in this country or change this Ridiculous Rule!!!!!
I am just under the 3x required amount of a hud based apartment how or why they ask for 3x in a hud housing apartment seems odd I’m selling a condo I own I’m on ssa under3x rent but have contract for buyers will walk away with 40k that would cover $835 per mo for 4 years have proof of this turned in plus a real estate agent with proof and still they demand 3x income how does that make sence selling because limited income to fix anything that could break down in condo plus we are 60 and 70 yrs old hard times for many a lot younger then us without 40 k and still being turned down HELP explain this insanity please
David, instead of selling your place you should rent it out and take allllll the profit you get and pay for rent somewhere else. If you do this you will find out first hand why the landlord requires 3x rent.
Winter, the people who matter, and CAN stop this, DON’T GIVE A S#@&T.
We’re all in this worldwide pandemic together and, should have some type of consideration for those who have been financially affected. Leadership ACROSS THE BOARD, IN ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT EVEN PRESIDENTIAL, HAS NO CONCERN FOR THIS STUPID, HEARTLESS “RULE”.
It needs to be stomped out and NOW!!!!!!!
Yes we do . Why don’t you send a letter to one of our officials and see what his/her response is. Or send a letter to Channel 7, I Witness News and see if they air the concern of the people. I am retired with what I thought was a decent income, but rent is so high, I can’t afford to move. Because someone makes 3 times the rent is NOT a guarantee that he/she will always pay rent or even on time. The amount of money you make does not justify or confirm your character.
I feel that this and NO EVICTIONS is just a deterrent for certain groups of people and is away to discriminate.
I think it’s unethical. I have been looking for an apartment I can afford. I’ve found a few but because I don’t make 2 to 3 times the rent I don’t qualify. Even the all bills paid apartments. I am currently living in an Assisted Living Facility and the state makes them take all of my $707– monthly income. I am also an amputee. I will have help from caregivers and once I get an apartment I can get on food stamps which I think counts as income.
this is so stupid, its based off opinion. I work and make enough for rent and if I get a roommate its to make the payments easier, but that part of 40x or 50x times the rent is sooo stupid, all because its a stupid feeling the landlord gets, either way both parties or only one doesn’t have to pay rent or they can up and both lose there jobs or worst. I tried to get a apartment for $2300 and I alone make 2300 and change a month before takes and not doing over time, combining my income with my roommate I am super able and easy to get a apartment, I was denied because and her didn’t make enough combined cause we need to make $88,000 a year when I alone can pay the rent by myself, like If I am making $88,000 or $90,000 I AM BUYING A HOUSE!!!!!! why would I even bother to get a apartment. the United States NEEDS TO CHECK THESE APARTMENTS RULES cause it doest make no sense
It makes perfect sense you just don’t have enough to comprehend it apparently
These excuses about section 8 are just garbage. Greedy landlords get the world’s smallest violin treatment. I see so many living on the streets now because in my area even the dumpiest rathole is 1100/mo. There ARE no cheaper areas here. I work full time and can’t afford to live. Our country is a wreck and no longer cares about the common man or woman. Greed greed greed. I look forward to the collapse. It’s not far off now.
Who writes these articles? This issue is presented as if tenants are being irresponsible by not having THREE times the rent in income. This is obviously an affordable housing issue, not an irresponsible tenants issue. The author talks down to renters as if renters were stupid, advising them to consider the issue from landlords’ perspective. Clearly, landlords are business people and want to earn as much money as possible. But housing is a survival requirement. Therefore, the government which represents the people has a responsibility to make sure there is enough affordable housing GIVEN PEOPLE’S ACTUAL SALARIES. Landlords want more money so raise rents. Business owners want more money so pay low salaries. Everyone is benefitting except the workers/renters struggling to survive. Fix the d@mn UNaffordable housing crisis instead of offering inane, vacuous excuses for why things continue to get worse.
One thing I forgot to point out is that the government came up with the 3X income rule TO PROTECT RENTERS by giving a guideline of how much renters should be earning to be able to safely afford living space. But this guideline is now being used as a weapon against renters who can’t control corporations’ employee compensation (thanks in part to the relentless attrition of US labor unions), thus locking many renters into poverty and even homelessness. Look up the GROWTH of the full-time employed but homeless in the US. In the absence of affordable housing–and report after government report shows there is NOT A SINGLE US JURISDICTION with remotely adequate affordable housing given local salaries–its unethical to close out workers from housing. The US doesn’t want to raise minimum wage. It doesn’t want to decrease rental costs. And it doesn’t want to offer adequate solutions to address homelessness (growing since the pandemic) or historic housing insecurity. But if you’re a business owner (US businesses are making record profits) or landlord, it’s all good.
What happened to government FOR THE PEOPLE? We’ve become government for the well-resourced.
I am section 8 and have never had the 3x the income rule applied to me when renting. I don’t believe this to be true. IT’S 30% of one’s income towards their share of rent in some cases 40%. Just bogus
Hello can a landlord refuse to rent to you if you work 2 part time jobs and can still meet 3 times your rent. I was told I had to make 3 times my rent from one job. I don’t understand this.
The # of jobs you have should not matter in any way. Your income just has to be verifiable and meet the required amount .
That’s absolute bullshit this is a clear and cut case of systemic racism you’re trying to rule black and brown people out of their places no one is fooled. If I made 3 times a rent I would be making more than the people that work there and I would buy a home
That is the dumbest thing I hear people say. The rules are the rules for everyone. No one cares what color someone is. You rather meet the qualifications or your don’t. There aren’t different qualifications for different races. That is the most ignorant and ridiculous thing people can claim.
Truth 100. I am white and looking for a place with no unrealistic requirements like 3X’s the rent. White people struggle too😔.
I worked for more that 30 years before having to go on disability, and after divorcing my husband of 17 years (with receiving no support from him) I returned home to live with my elderly mother since I was unable to afford housing. Now 8 years later I’m having to find a place to live since my mother is having to go live in a Memory Care Facility. Every apartment I have looked at that is semi affordable requires that I make 3x the rent. I have no debt, and have budgeted my income to where I could afford to pay up to a certain amount for rent, but these apartment complexes just look at my income and say NO. I have been trying for the past 3 years to get on some sort of assistance but where I live the Voucher program has been Closed and it is not known when it will open back up for ppl to apply for the Wait List. This “rule” that Landlords are using set back in 1938 NEEDS to seriously looked at. It is Time that the “SILENT POOR” Spoke Up and demanded that not only we get help with better housing, more housing but assistance with the way the Landlords apply this “rule” – it is time the “rule” was changed.
Rents are higher
Every single year.hud is a good program
But so many.apts complexs are to full.not emough units available
For everyone
Hud.imits units.they have
Available
& not nearly enough
Ate readlly available
List are.closed
On getting.apts
On hud._ u gotta wait
Over a year.to get those apts.so
Are u
Suppose
To be homeless while u wait.& family & friends.cant allways assit.us on our houseing needs.we dont.have hotels.money
So were are we to go.to live
More homelessess
Being om
One monthy check hotels remts
Over 1.000 a month to stay.& most
Only 700.00 up to
Possible 1000 a month maybe
Checks.arent enough
To pay
For a motel
.so
While u cant.pay your.apts rents.u also cant
Get a hotel room to remt
U dont got.enough money.which.no one.has a heart.to care.if u have.enough money.to make it or not.covid came
Id felt.landlords.would
Give us
A slight break.& lower the rents montly
No.it went up higher
Id felt.that.was so un fair
No affordable rents
No more.we are.about.to pay
690.00 per month
Plus.the lights.,& water & trash.yes.we will stuggle
But its 2 of to pay that together
I fear
The future.cause
If anything.were to happen
To.my hinby
id be put out.cause.I dont
Earn.2x & 3x gross.money
Wow right.?.homeless
Id be
Over petty
Rules
It makes
No sence to me.why
Insist
I make
2x _ 3x gross.om retirement benefits.
.
Hud apts.are a great
Idea.but.units.apts have.closed waiting list
Its.15 momths to.2 or 3 years.om some hud apts.also.be very careful which apts u do pick.not all hud .places are.good
Or decent units.u must.complely check every place.u womt.out first. If this means.u get friends
& family
To see
What those apts are all about first.u will be.surprised.what folks
Will tell u.on certain apts
Just go by
The apts
Were u are.thinking to remt
Ask someome
Who lives there
What those apts
Are really like
Livimg there
.its likey.someone.will talk to u.& tell u information u need to know
Also
Swing by those apts
A.nd take
A walk.aroumd
I hear and agree! correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe the section 8 program means subsidized, or the fed govt fills up what you can’t pay.
Say you can earn only $300; the landlord agrees to take only $100 and his building is approved by the gov’t that it’s up to their codes of quality. As long as your very low income qualifies you, the gov’t will help pay your rent, making up the difference between what you can pay, 1/3 income, and what the landlord would regularly charge. Thus the term “subsidized housing.” Rent is more than a third of what you bring home, Uncle Sam pays the rest.
You said it. If apartments are 1600 in Massachusetts who makes over 4800 a month. Not me and i make 19 an hour
Ok. I was able to get an apartment because I had zero income. Now I do service here on the property where I am receiving sec 8 housing. Now property managers saying I make too much to live out here while providing my service
my dollar raise and my 40 hours a week that our management company hired me as is costing me now. I regret taking this job, working to survive working to pay rent I’m stressed and my rent is 406.00 and I have to pay my own light bill which is 2 to 300.00 and is it right or wrong working to pay rent to maintain grounds and for getting apartments ready for families and the homeless
They’re even doing this with room rentals too and it’s not even worth it. Why would i want to pay almost $3,000 to live in your nasty basement? If I had that much money lying around i would be able to afford a better apartment or even put money down on a house/new car.
I live in Winter Garden Florida and I have been homeless for 8 months My landlord evicted us during Covid not for not paying rent, in relation, harassing us can’t find a place to stay. either there to high for me and my boyfrienare who’s on disability. when they tell you 3 times the rent there just telling us we dont want to rent to you and can’t live here anymore took the low income Apartments and made them luxury Apartments that’s the reason we have a lot of homeless people in the town they have no wear to go
I just don’t understand the knee over three times the rent if you receive Section 8 already and it shows that you can pay because they cover mostly of it what’s the problem and I’m a clean person I don’t give nobody no problem
This is not logic. This is abuse. Landlords have little to worry about. At the end of the day they still have their property and income. Forcing tenants to find guarantors, co-signers, pay for background checks and realtors is too much for most people, to say nothing of this horrendous rule. It creates a system where all properties are treated as luxury properties. I’ve seen absolute rat holes, dilapidated, neglected, in remote areas and filled with drug addicts but they still have the luxury of invoking the 3-Times rule. Meanwhile people who have no criminal history, no history of substance abuse, and no history of sexual crimes are denied simply because they also have no credit. It isn’t logic. It’s abuse. It’s greed. So many people are treated as criminals simply because they lack a SCORE. It doesn’t matter if they’re not liabilities, they are treated as such anyway. This is an outdated system that allows landlords to pick and choose based not on fact but on whim. The criteria is too stringent. It needs to change. People are already dying in the streets. Tenants need more rights, more protections, not just anti-discrimination rules that are already far too easy for landlords to sidestep. If the landlords are being given unfair advantages then there need to be agents who uphold and represent the rights of tenants, with reasonable costs involved. Don’t allow yourselves to accept this as “logical.” It’s like saying “I shot a man in the head because he had the potential to shoot me in the head. I did the logical thing.” Technicalities don’t save people from dying in the streets.
David, If the eviction process was swift then the landlord wouldn’t be as cautious and strict. The issue is landlords have few rights to their own property once a tenant is in there. Tenants can literally stay in a property for months without paying rent. They can kick in the walls and destroy the property and 9/10 times they aren’t worth suing because they have nothing. Then the landlord is stuck with thousands of dollars owed that they will never get back.
Every single reply you make is about the eviction process. Are you a bot? Your copy pasted replies show that you clearly aren’t human. Your name is just landlord. You’re just here to keep repeating only one part of the problem because that’s the only point of sympathy whoever programed your software could think of. It’s still not sympathetic because too many people have spent their lives paying rent in time in full with low income watching others who made so much more than them simply chose not to pay. Landlords are punishing the wrong people and the person who wrote your code knows that.
Fact check…. This information is inaccurate if a person made 2.5 times the rent or more they most likely wouldn’t need section 8. Section 8 doesn’t mean you have to make double or triple the rent. Section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. § 1437f), often called Section 8, as repeatedly amended, authorizes the payment of rental housing assistance on behalf of low-income households in the United States.
Well where I live I don’t make two times my rent have lived here six years and never been late
It’s insane, especially since the average rent for an apartment is $1500-$2000 for a 2 bedroom apartment and $1200-$1500 for a one bedroom!! If I had 3 times that amount, $4500 – $6000 each month, I certainly would not be trying to rent a shitty apartment or townhome. I’d be owning my own home! I would have to be making at least $32 an hour. It has taken me 8 years to make $21 working for the State of Minnesota. Then you factor in taxes and healthcare… THEN the cost of living. To get a 30 cent raise every year when gas and rent goes up at a rate 100 times that… it’s crazy.
2 times is sufficient, we need to change homelessness poicies. I work for a school district and I don’t make 3 times, I do make 2 times. Who is the policy to change this? NO MORE RED LINING ITs against the law.
First. The three times rule has nothing to do with Section 8 and doesn’t even MAKE SENSE.
Reality. As a landlord I have to pay mortgage, condo dues, taxes, and insurance. Plus fix anything that needs repair. I cannot afford for my tenants to NOT make three times income. My cheapest apartment is $1100. (And it could get $1300, I’m trying to be affordable.) It’s very nice, right on the river path, granite, SS, laundry in unit. Water, sewer, trash are included in rent. Say you make $3300 before taxes. After taxes, even if you have NO deductions for health care or savings, that’s about $2700. Pay the rent, that leaves $1600. Groceries for one person averages about $350. Utilities on this property, including electric, gas, and Internet, (no cable), average about $200. Now we are at $1050. With that $1050, you have to pay car payment, insurance on the car and the property in your apartment. Gas, tolls, upkeep on the car. Your cell phone plan. Entertainment. Dining Out. Clothing. Charity if you do that. Furnishings. Gifts. Gym. Health insurance premiums, copays, and whatever your insurance does not cover. This stuff adds up to $1050 in a HEARTBEAT for most folks. My tenants usually have a $500 or more car payment alone. Some of you think I should lower the rent some more. My mortgage, condo dues, insurance, and taxes are $850. My profit is $250. But if any appliance needs replaced, I have to pay for that. Sometimes I am not collecting rent between tenants. At the end of the year I just about break even, or make maybe $1000. Not even $10 an hour for my time put in. Only the tax breaks make land lording worth it. Just some perspective for the other side. If for some reason your costs are much lower, find a private landlord like me and explain it to them. They MIGHT make an exception. But three times rent is not unreasonable. When I was a renter it was 4 times rent required.
Yeah right. Boo hoo rip off con artist scammer.
Lady if Section 8 pays 70% of the rent then its covered. Section 8 will not approve the tenant if their income doesn’t meet the requirement to cover the utilities.
That’s the risk you take for wanting to be a landlord
This is just ridiculous. I lived in my own home for over 20 years. Due to divorce, my ex got the house because after over 2 years and $50,000 in legal fees I couldn’t fight any longer to remain. A 2 bedroom apartment at $2200/month means I must have an income of at least $6600. WHAT?? That equals about $40/hr at 40 hrs/week! If I made that kind of money I wouldn’t be wanting to live in a crappy apartment! Plus that rental amount is more than what my mortgage was (which included taxes & insurance).
It has absolutely nothing to do with Section 8, low income, or anything else. The entire issue is due to the Pandemic and not being able to evict tenants who didn’t pay, plain and simple. None of this madness existed prior to that. So now it has rendered the rest of us unable to attain suitable housing when we don’t qualify for any kind of public assistance because we actually earn more than the state allows and are American citizens.
It’s not right what if it’s a single parent they don’t consider that and if section 8 or the tenants pay 30% why are they not giving working individuals the same options
Yes, none of this bullshit existed prior to this pandemic, now they’re implementing this stupidity that will result in entire families being HOMELESS! I’M MAD AS HELL! BIDEN AND Harris need to do something ASAP! A PETITION AGAINST THIS IS NEEDED NOW!
I really feel this article does a poor job of describing why there is a recommendation for 3x income. I’m a social worker and a landlord. We studied this exact thing in my social work classes in college. I can’t remember if it was closer to the 1937 time frame, or around Johnson’s great society, but they started doing more research on breakdown of expenses for families. What they found that was ON AVERAGE people were paying around 30% of their income for housing. When costs of housing increased past this, it was much more difficult for people to make ends meet. Back when the research was being done, food costs were higher, and were a much higher percentage of people’s budgets. Policy makers debate weather 30% is still the best recommended amount to go to housing for a healthy budget. The decision to have people on Section 8 pay 30% of their monthly income towards rent is based on scientific social and economic research. It is not arbitrary. If you would like to get on on the conversation there are productive paths to debate this, where you can be well informed and take all these aspects into consideration.
Hello Janelle, thanks for this valuable information, we will try to include it in future updates of the articles.
What about servers ,they don’t make that on paper.
Severs “don’t make that on paper” is a problem. If they aren’t paying their fair share of taxes by not reporting it, ( I totally understand why they would do this) then these are the consequences for their actions.
It’s RIDICULOUS, PERIOD!
Having an income of three times the monthly rent is discrimination against lower-income people. I have been on Social Security Disability since 2004. In the last few years that I lived at my last apartment, I was able to pay my rent in full and within the five-day grace of the due date. Even though my rent was due on the first of the month, my SSDI didn’t come until the third. Therefore, I mailed out a check for the full amount on the third.
I don’t think that landlords should discriminate against lower-income. If you can afford to pay the rent, regardless of your income, then go look for your apartment. It’s as simple as that.
Thank you.
I rented in Los Angeles for more than a decade and never once encountered this. Now I’m in the Capital Cow Town of Sacramento and every single listing in this (overpriced) dump says that. Some say 3.5 times, and they want your last three tax returns as if I’m buying a house. This practice should be illegal.
It’s not right what if it’s a single parent they don’t consider that and if section 8 or the tenants pay 30% why are they not giving working individuals the same options
I don’t understand how Section 8, a government-subsidized housing program which requires their recipients to pay only 30% of their income to regulate the “3 times the rent” rule? What do they have to do with it, can anyone explain? By the way, I’m looking to do something about this injustice.
-Amanda H.
If people made 3x the rent amount why would anyone rent they would be buying a house. No wonder why the homeless rate is so high , I have paid my rent on time even through the Covid 19 . Now I’m having to get a new house due to landlord needing house back and I can’t get into anything been living in a hotel with my kids the last month . Are system is broken and not there to help and landlord have now got the upper hand since covid because they know people need to find places so they jack the rents sky high and ask for amounts that are truly inconceivable.
Has anyone heard of owner selling property with 30 day move out notice to a tenant who lived there for 8 years? Raised the rent $500. Now displaced short 200$ x3 required. I asked about a co-signer with over $100,000 in the. Was told co signer must earn 3x monthly rent. WTF. Where’s the petition?
Its discrimination all over again. “The haves and the have nots “. This is serious stuff you think?
in new york, its even worse from what i’ve seen. landlords asking for 40x the rent as if folks who work minimum wage jobs can afford that. there are so many places with low ass minimum wage that expect people to make 3x (or more) of the rent and it just does not make sense. then when these people get on section 8, they get crucified by the public (and the landlords) for asking for help. its really dumb and the cost of living is going up but the pay not reflecting that.
I rarely ever “qualified” for assistance programs as a single female. I applied when I was told I could qualify, then denied based on the fact that I can earn more so, therefore, need to try harder. No kids? No help. They prioritize single parents taking care of kids who
“cannot” work. Being a college student living within 1 mile of a college cannot be a full-time student at the nearest apartment complex because they are not student housing. I, therefore, need to work two part-time jobs and go to school part-time in order to afford rent in a town where rent for 1 bedroom starts at $1100 but I make $1100 a month before taxes. Yet, I still do not qualify for assistance.
I’m a single female with fare credit and no evictions and I need help with section 8 I plan to go to city hall and protest for affordable housing any suggestions would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance
I’m going through the same thing, but section Eight is not Doing anything to help with Our Problem, all they do is tell you to Call a Lawyer, that’s not Right, and they are too busy to want to help, mean while I’m Homeless! 🤨
Help Us, that’s It!
i have a great job. i’m looking to move out of state. however due to this 3x the rent….i don’t make that type of money in one month my roommate and i together barely would make that type of money for the type of apartments that we’re looking at. if i had the amount of money that they are asking for (3x the rent) i could not only afford to purchase a house but a new car every other year…wth? the only thing they are doing is hurting themselves by raising the rent extremely high and then their ridiculous demands on top of how high rent is.
Everyone is missing the factual, real life reasons of why you need 3x rent. I have looked into rentals in various cities and states. The problem is online the rent is usually only the space or rooms of the apartment. Nobody seems to realize when you add utilities, Wifi, electric, water, etc, which are NOT included in this rent, you do indeed need to make at least 2x if not 3x the rent. Because the monthly rental figure doesn’t reflect your true monthly rent. What should be happening is that rental companies/landlords be more honest. If they don’t include utilities, don’t tell us that our rent is only $1,000 per month, because it’s certainly going to be a lot more than that.
I have been looking for an apartment for 4 years. 4 to 5 nights a week I look for apartments all over the United States for me & my pitbull. I am disabled on SSDI $1,353 a month. I cannot qualify for the 3x income rule. Last night I saw some landlords now require 4x! Although I qualify for section 8 there is not any vouchers in Philly for years now. Subsidized housing has no availability for 10 to 15 years. Even the so called Low income housing rentals discriminate against the very low income. They have a maximum income & minimum income. I do not fit in that cookie cutter. I hate this “Breed restriction” BS too, all dogs have the potential to be aggressive. They say “Pet Friendly” but have 20lb weight limits & restrict dogs who have excellent behavior histories. Then it is endless fees, $500 non-refundable pet fee, $250 pet deposit, $50 pet rent, $175 administrative fee, $60 application fee, & then some say all of that & then say a one time $250 fee. + 1st, last, & deposit, some will say $800 a month + $150 utilities. & let me tell you these $800 to $900 look like hell! I’ve also learned that there is 62+ housing, 55+ housing, a ton of student housing that is beautiful construction with free perks, military housing, refugee/immigrant housing, workforce housing, homeless housing, veteran housing, LGBTQ housing, there’s no vouchers UNLESS ofcourse you have a child or are pregnant & they pull that voucher out the air, low income housing but not very low income housing, camper vans are between $50k and $150k, tiny houses are app. $95k then you need to buy land to put it on, pay for transportation & hookups & you are looking at $175k, campground fees that are as much as rent if had the money to buy a tiny trailer. I have tried everything! & I am tired!! I have paid rent all my life. Now I am 53 years old & disabled & have no where to go despite having a lifetime history of paying my rent. Oh & have you seen these stories on the news how landlords are giving annual renewal increases from $200-$2,000 a month, & people are having to leave & become homeless, + there is limited to no availability everywhere with natural disasters like wildfires & floods destroying housing. I don’t know what to do. I cannot even apply for a voucher to get on the 15 year waitlist. This is just disgusting!
Welcome to America. That was my thought, isn’t that what the background check is for? Rental history and landlord verifications as well as the verification of income? This is really ridiculous and given America’s history, I really see it as another way of redlining I’m disguise. It’s really disgusting. Average rents right now are around $1400-$1800 to rent a decent size home or apartment depending on the area you are in, so you are telling me if I want to rent a unit for about $1400 a month I have to make almost $5,000 a month?! That’s crazy! Most people aren’t even making that much, especially if you’re black tbh. That would mean I’d need to be making $1000.00 minimum per week ( and that’s gross, doesn’t include what your check looks like after taxes are taken out), and if I’m luck to have a full time (40hrs not 30 or 35) schedule that would mean I need to be making at least $26/hr. What average regular job is paying that? Even the “good” jobs aren’t paying that. Especially without a degree. You’d have to be making almost $30/hr full time to live comfortably in America. And forget if you are single or a single parent. Lol. This is seriously not right. America is a freaking joke. This is why it’s all about to come crashing down.
I just started dealing with this in LA County as I am looking for a new place to live. What I have learned is that this is a form of gentrification. Landlords are using the “monthly income must be 3x the monthly rent” line in order to legally discriminate against certain groups of people. And, since the covid pandemic many landlords were hurt financially. Many of them don’t outright own the property. They are making payments on the mortgage loans they took out to get the property. Not a very smart business move on their part. Many landlords are struggling to pay their bills and mortgages. Now they want to pass the burden on to tenants and potential tenants.
Even if you meet the criteria, which I do, there is no guarantee they will choose you to be the new tenant. I have been passed over multiple times and my income is well over 85k a year, with no debts, no evictions, no bankruptcy. They are not running it like a business, they are running it like a social club. If they like you then you get picked. It’s dumb, dishonest and shady. I feel like I am going on a job interview now when applying for apartments. It gives me a headache.
City of LA officials are wondering why there are so many more homeless people in the city now. Well, part of the problem is the process of renting and the costs involved. it is pushing many people into homelessness.
OH, this is crazy right now. My husband and I are on SS and we can usually make the 3x rent money, but we look for an apartment in our price range, to begin with. As far as your credit score, it is ridiculous. People are losing the credit scores due to the economy right now, and considering we are seniors, our credit really doesn’t matter. We are not working, and my husband and I have been on Debt cards for over 10 years. We don’t spend what we don’t have. But when you are a senior, you are invisible, and it really is horrible. Renters need to understand that people need to find a place to settle. Whether they are seniors, or first time renters, give them a chance. You might be surprised. I will say one thing. Go and take a tour of the apartment. Meet with them, and let them see who you are, and that you are an upstanding individual, with a good demeanor, and a responsible person. Remember, the renters don’t know who you are. let them meet you. I think it goes a long way.
I always paid half my income towards my rent. I look for places like that. Is this new? I always did that. Half my income went to my rent. I did that because I preferred to live in the places than other places that were less desirable. I never was denied but now they are asking before you apply.
I hate this rule! I just got my sec 8 and I’m a single mother who makes $5,000 a month (gross) and these landlords want you to have perfect credit and make 3x the amount! Seriously??? And don’t even get me started on the discrimination!!!!! Or the “no pets” rule! It’s ridiculous! I work my but off, go to school and raise my kids and can’t even get a decent place to live! Meanwhile, there’s people on sec 8 paying $50 a month on townhouses! How????? And if I had a perfect credit score, and made 3x the rent, I wouldn’t be RENTING! I’d be paying my own mortgage!!!! I’m
Excellent article because it talks about an important issue.
Crazy illogical and wrong on the reason for the 3x rule. The idea that government mandated 30% contribution for ghetto housing is the catalyst for virtually every landlord in the nation deciding en masse to force tenants into this unreasonable requirement is… without merit.
The real question is why every landlord decided to do this, when for years all you had to do was prove you were a responsible individual who paid your bills. You need a place to live regardless of income, and if you always pay your rent, an ironclad requirement to have “x” amount of money sounds like government’s hand in the pie.
I’m 19 and I’m looking for my first apartment with my best friend. We don’t make the required 3x amount for rent and we probably won’t be able to for any apartment complex. I just want to go to school while having a place to live. The manager at the hotel that we want is extremely nice and I wonder if showing my bank statements would get around the 3x rule. I have 10,000 saved in my bank account so I can afford rent but idk if certain places are strict about that or not.
I make $45000 annually and have a Section 8 voucher and still met with the 3x the rent rule. I don’t get it. We live in the land of opportunity in myth only.
Actually you take your monthly income and multiply times three..and that will give you the amount you need to have as income monthly to qualify for any rent above $1,000. if a person has $1200 a month in income take $1200 and multipy that by 3 which is $3600..so in order to get a to get an apartment for $1200 a month your monthly income has to be $3600 a month which is three times the rent.