Rent-to-income check
Many landlords compare your gross monthly pay (before taxes) with the rent. The multiple varies, so ask the landlord or read their screening rules, and change the multiple above to match.
Proof of income documents landlords often accept
| Document | Who it suits | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Recent pay stubs | Employees paid by payroll | Your employer or payroll portal |
| Offer letter | New job that hasn't paid yet | Your new employer (pay, start date, contact) |
| Employment verification letter | Employees whose stubs are unclear | Your HR or manager |
| W-2 form | Employees, last year's pay | Your employer, or your payroll portal |
| Federal tax return | Anyone who filed last year | Your copy, or an IRS transcript from your IRS online account |
| 1099 forms | Contractors and gig workers | The companies or apps that paid you |
| Bank statements | Anyone with regular deposits | Your bank's app or website |
| App earnings statements | Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, Lyft workers | The app's driver or shopper dashboard |
| Profit and loss statement | Self-employed people | Your own books or your accountant |
| Social Security benefit letter | People getting Social Security or SSI | Your my Social Security account at ssa.gov |
| Unemployment benefit statement | People getting unemployment pay | Your state's unemployment agency |
| Pension or retirement statement | Retirees | Your pension plan or account provider |
Each landlord sets its own list. Read their application before you send anything.
How many pay stubs to send
It depends on the landlord; many ask for your most recent stubs. If you're paid weekly, that's more stubs than if you're paid monthly. Send them in date order with YTD totals that add up.
Free proof of income letter templates
No pay stubs yet, or the landlord wants a letter too? Copy a template, then replace each [bracket] with your real details.
[Date] To whom it may concern, [Your full name] works at [Employer name] as a [Job title] since [Start date]. Their pay is [Monthly gross pay] a month before taxes. They are paid [Pay frequency]. You can reach me at [Phone] or [Email] to confirm. [Signer name], [Signer title] [Employer name], [Employer address]
[Date] To whom it may concern, I, [Your full name], am self-employed as a [Type of work] under [Business name] since [Start date]. My average income is [Monthly gross income] a month before taxes, based on [Records, e.g. tax return, bank statements]. I can share [List of documents] on request. [Your full name] [Phone] · [Email]
[Date] To whom it may concern, [Employer name] has offered [Your full name] the position of [Job title]. Start date: [Start date]. Pay: [Monthly gross pay] a month before taxes, paid [Pay frequency]. You can reach me at [Phone] or [Email] to confirm. [Signer name], [Signer title] [Employer name], [Employer address]
The landlord or lender decides which letters they accept. Fill in your real details only, and have the right person sign.
Special cases
New job
Send the offer letter, plus your first stub as soon as you get it.
Two jobs
Send stubs from both. Add the gross pay together for the rent check.
Gig or 1099 income
Apps send statements, not stubs. Bank deposits help.
Students
Many landlords accept a guarantor who shows income instead. Ask what they need from the guarantor.
What $3.49 includes
Federal, state and FICA taxes worked out, Current-year YTD totals, Regular and overtime pay lines, Every design at the base price, Your logo, Corrections and the PDF download. Optional add-ons: extra earnings & deduction lines $1.00/stub, tax & w-4 withholding edits $1.00/stub, time-off (pto) lines $1.00/stub, deposit slip $1.00/stub. All 4 together: $1.49 for 1 stub, $2.99 for 2, $0.99 each from 3.
FAQ
How many pay stubs do I need for an apartment?
It depends on the landlord. Check their application for the period they want covered.
Is an offer letter enough proof of income?
Often, for a new job. It should show your pay and start date on company letterhead. Some landlords also want your first stub.
Does the rent rule use gross or net pay?
Most use gross pay, before taxes. Ask the landlord if you're not sure.
Can I use bank statements instead of pay stubs?
Some landlords accept them, especially for gig or self-employed income. Ask first.
What if my income is below the rent multiple?
Ask if they accept a guarantor, a larger deposit or other income, like benefits.