Renting / What rent can I qualify for?
What rent can I qualify for in NYC?
Many New York landlords ask for yearly income of 40 times the monthly rent, and a guarantor earning 80 times if you don't reach it. Enter what everyone on the lease earns and see the most rent that test allows, whether you'd need a guarantor, and the cash to move in.
Available now, no account neededCorrect the field marked in the form to see the figures.
An example to start with: two people looking at a $4,200 apartment. Change the numbers to yours.
With $155,000 a year between the two of you, a landlord using the 40× rule would accept a rent of up to $3,875 a month.
At $4,200 a month, a landlord using 40× looks for $168,000 a year, $13,000 more than you have. You'd likely need a guarantor earning $336,000 a year (80× the rent), or a guarantor company, or a lower rent.
40× is landlord practice, not law
- No law sets an income test. 40 times the monthly rent a year is a screening rule many New York landlords and managing agents use. It's commonly asked, not required. Some buildings ask for more, look closely at credit history, or accept savings or a larger guarantor instead. Ask each landlord which test they use.
- Roommates and couples. This adds up everyone's income. Many landlords do the same, but some want each person to meet part of the test on their own, so ask before you apply.
- Guarantors. 80× is what landlords and guarantor companies commonly ask a personal guarantor to earn, not a legal figure. Guarantor companies charge a fee for standing in. Compare their terms before you sign.
- Vouchers and other income. In New York City a landlord or broker can't turn you away because you pay with a housing voucher, public assistance, Social Security or another lawful source of income. NYC Commission on Human Rights: source of income · checked 21 Oct 2026
What a landlord can charge you to apply and move in
- Applying. In New York State there's no charge for an application itself. The only fee allowed is for a background or credit check: its actual cost or $20, whichever is less. It must be waived if you bring a check from the last 30 days, and you get a copy of the check and its receipt. NY Real Property Law §238-a · checked 21 Oct 2026
- Security deposit. No more than one month's rent. At the most the 40× rule allows you, that's $3,875. NY General Obligations Law §7-108(1-a) · checked 21 Oct 2026
- Broker's fee. In New York City, since 11 June 2025, a broker working for the landlord, including the listing agent, can't charge you. You pay a broker only if you hired them yourself, and every fee must be listed before you sign. NYC DCWP: the FARE Act · checked 21 Oct 2026
Listing shows "net effective"?
Convert it to the gross rent firstThe income test, the deposit and any renewal use the gross rent in the lease, which is higher than a net effective figure with free months spread over the lease.
Available now, no account neededNet effective rentCompare apartments
Log the places you're seeingThe rental tracker works out income needed, cash to move in and the all-in monthly cost for each apartment, and ranks them against your priorities.
Free account neededOpen the tracker