NYC Affordability

Not a law, not written into any lease — just a market screening convention most NYC landlords and management companies apply anyway. The math: annual gross income must be at least 40 times the monthly rent, which works out to roughly 34% of gross pay going to rent before you’re even approved.

Formula: Max rent = Annual income ÷ 40

Worked example

$120,000/year ÷ 40 = $3,000/month maximum rent, using the standard multiplier. Some buildings use a looser 35x or a stricter 45x — see the 40x rule guide for what changes the multiplier and how a guarantor’s required income (typically 80x) works when your own income falls short. Run your exact number on the Rent Calculator.