Rent affordability calculator
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Your details
Housing costs as a share of income
32.19%
Possible, but a stretch
- Rent at 25% of income
- R8 000.00
- Rent at one third
- R10 666.67
How we worked it out
- Gross monthly incomeR32 000.00
- Rent and housing costsR10 300.00
- Share of income32.19%
- Rent at 25% of incomeR8 000.00
Comfortable guide
- Rent at one third of incomeR10 666.67
Upper end many landlords and agents accept
- This is a rule of thumb, not a legal limit. Landlords and agents set their own criteria and usually also check your credit record and payslips. At one third of income, the most rent most landlords would accept is about R10 667.
Budget for the extras
- The deposit, often paid before you move in, plus the first month's rent.
- Electricity and water if they are not included, and moving costs.
- Any lease fees: the Act says costs relating to the lease are only payable on proof of actual expenditure (s5(3)(p)).
Before you sign, read your rights as a tenant.
Frequently asked questions
How much rent can I afford?
A common guide is to keep rent and housing costs to about a quarter to a third of your gross (before-tax) income. It is a rule of thumb, not a law; your other debts, transport and family costs matter too.
What do landlords look for?
Landlords and letting agents set their own criteria. Many look for rent of no more than about a third of gross income, plus payslips, bank statements and a credit check. They may not unfairly discriminate against you (Rental Housing Act s4(1)).
Should I count both incomes?
If both people will sign the lease and be liable for the rent, landlords usually consider the combined income.