Total gross income should be about three times the rent. Although the 30 percent and Three-Times-Rent rules are popular, they have inherent issues. One of the primary ones is that it does not account well for debt or expenses.
Introduce yourself: Begin by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the rental property. Mention the specific address and why it appeals to you. Highlight your strengths: Emphasize your positive qualities as a tenant, such as being responsible, reliable, and respectful.
One popular guideline is the 30% rent rule, which says to spend around 30% of your gross income on rent. So if you earn $4,000 per month before taxes, you could spend up to about $1,200 per month on rent. This is a solid guideline, but it's not one-size-fits-all advice.
As a general rule of thumb, landlords should aim for a rent-to-income ratio of no more than 30%. Meaning the tenant should earn at least three times the rent amount.
Credit score requirements for apartments vary by landlord, but most require at least a 670. Landlords can also view your credit report for any delinquencies or accounts in collections.
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 300 to 579, considered Very Poor. A 570 FICO® Score☉ is significantly below the average credit score. Many lenders choose not to do business with borrowers whose scores fall in the Very Poor range, on grounds they have unfavorable credit.
Wealthier, more competitive areas will require a higher minimum score, as will new or luxury buildings. However, a good rule of thumb is that most landlords look for a credit score of at least 600. Anything under 600 is considered bad credit, but don't worry – there are many ways to get around bad credit.
So, if your renter has a score of 670 or higher, that's a very good credit score for most rentals. Most landlords are looking for a score somewhere between 600 – 650 since renters don't have the credit history of making mortgage payments to boost their credit score.
There's no set score you need to be able to rent a property. But keeping an eye on your financial health can help make the process easier.