What is the 30% rent rule?

The 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross (before tax) monthly income. This is a guideline, not a law — some people spend more in high-cost cities and manage fine with tight budgets.

Should I use gross or net income for the calculation?

Landlords and letting agents typically use gross income for affordability checks and often require tenants to earn 2.5–3× the annual rent. Use gross income for the ratio but budget with your net take-home.

What counts as monthly expenses?

Include all regular outgoings except rent: council tax, utilities, food, transport, insurance, loan repayments, subscriptions, and any other fixed costs. This gives you the true disposable income picture.

Rental Affordability Calculator

Check whether a rental property is within your budget. The standard affordability guideline is that rent should not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income.

How it's calculated

Rent-to-Income Ratio = Monthly Rent ÷ Gross Monthly Income
Max Affordable Rent = Gross Monthly Income × 30%
Disposable Income = Income − Rent − Other Expenses

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 30% rent rule?: The 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross (before tax) monthly income. This is a guideline, not a law — some people spend more in high-cost cities and manage fine with tight budgets.
Should I use gross or net income for the calculation?: Landlords and letting agents typically use gross income for affordability checks and often require tenants to earn 2.5–3× the annual rent. Use gross income for the ratio but budget with your net take-home.
What counts as monthly expenses?: Include all regular outgoings except rent: council tax, utilities, food, transport, insurance, loan repayments, subscriptions, and any other fixed costs. This gives you the true disposable income picture.