---
title: "3x income rule: renter glossary | Centro Studio Homes"
description: "Many Austin landlords ask for gross monthly income of at least three times the monthly rent. It is a common screening rule, not a law. Defined for Austin renters by Centro Studio Homes."
url: https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/3x-income-rule
publisher: Centro Studio Homes
phone: +17373178369
tour: https://centro.multisites.ai/scheduletour
---

# 3x income rule

Many Austin landlords ask for gross monthly income of at least three times the monthly rent. It is a common screening rule, not a law.

The 3x income rule means your gross monthly income (before taxes) should be at least three times the rent. Many landlords use it to decide if an applicant can pay.

Austin Apartment Locators reports that “most Austin landlords screen at 3x income.” That is a market practice. Each property sets its own rule, and the rule can change.

## Worked example

Take the “Homes starting at $699” price. Three times $699 is $2,097 in gross monthly income. That is plain arithmetic to show how the rule works. It is not a Centro requirement.

Monthly rent

3x rule: gross monthly income

$699

$2,097

$1,000

$3,000

$1,114

$3,342

## How it shows up at Centro

Centro has not published an income rule on its website. Ask the leasing office for Centro’s criteria before you apply. Rent is only one part of your monthly cost, so also read about the [total monthly price](https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/total-monthly-price) and the [rent to income ratio](https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/rent-to-income-ratio).

For a longer walk-through, see [how much income you need to rent in Austin](https://centro.multisites.ai/guides/income-needed-to-rent-austin).

## Related terms

-   [Rent to income ratio](https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/rent-to-income-ratio)
-   [Rental application](https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/rental-application)
-   [Screening](https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/screening)
-   [Total monthly price](https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/total-monthly-price)

[Read the full guide](https://centro.multisites.ai/guides/income-needed-to-rent-austin)

## Sources

-   [Austin Apartment Locators: How Much Rent Can I Afford in Austin?](https://austinapartmentlocators.com/how-much-rent-can-i-afford/)

## Come see your studio.

Tour in person or by live video. Book a time and we will show you the studios available now.

[Book a tour](https://centro.multisites.ai/scheduletour) [(737) 317-8369](tel:+17373178369)

Leasing office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM; Sunday, closed.