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What is Rent-to-Income Ratio and Why Should Landlords Care?

By Laura Agadoni – Updated Aug 6, 2025 at 5:27PM | Fact-checked by Parker Hicks

Key Points

  • Rent-to-income ratio should not be more than 30% of the tenant's gross income for affordability, depending on location.
  • Consider debt-to-income ratio and any recent collection accounts before approving a future tenant.
  • If the rent-to-income ratio is too high, a tenant may stop being able to pay their rent.
Key findings are powered by ChatGPT and based solely off the content from this article. Findings are reviewed by our editorial team. The author and editors take ultimate responsibility for the content.

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