Calculator
Rental affordability calculator
Estimate the rent a tenant can comfortably afford from gross monthly income.
The formula
Conservative rent = gross monthly income × 0.25. Recommended (guideline) rent = income × 0.30. Stretch rent = income × 0.35. Where a landlord requires income to be at least 3× the rent, the maximum rent = income ÷ 3.
Worked example
On a gross income of R30 000, a 30% guideline puts affordable rent around R9 000; a landlord requiring income of at least 3× the rent would cap rent near R10 000.
Assumptions & limitations
Uses the common guideline that rent should not exceed ~30% of gross monthly income, and the “income ≥ 3× rent” rule many SA landlords and screening services apply. Does not account for the tenant’s other debts or living costs.
A guideline only — landlords, managing agents and screening providers (e.g. TPN) apply their own affordability criteria.
Informational only — not financial or legal advice.
Rental affordability calculator — FAQ
How much rent can I afford on my income?+
A widely used guideline is that rent should not exceed about 30% of gross monthly income. On a gross income of R30 000 that puts affordable rent around R9 000 per month. A more conservative figure is 25%, and 35% is usually considered a stretch.
What is the “income must be 3× the rent” rule?+
Many South African landlords, managing agents and screening services (such as TPN) require a prospective tenant’s gross income to be at least three times the monthly rent. That effectively caps the rent at income ÷ 3 — for example R10 000 on a R30 000 income.
Does this calculator account for my other debts?+
No. It only compares rent to gross income. It does not factor in existing debt repayments, living costs or credit history, all of which a landlord or screening provider will assess separately.