tenants must make 3X the monthly rent in an expensive market.

[Peter Goeller]

           From what I have researched and learned one of the pre screening rules it that a tenant must make at least 3x the monthly rent which is a logical rule that makes sense. but what about an expensive market where rents are $1,200 to $1,500. a month. It seems a little ridiculous to me to require tenants to  make $3,600 to $4,500 a month, That is a very high income requirement that not a lot of people will qualify for, and if they do would they really be renting in the first place. 

[Thomas S.]

If they don't make 3X rent they do not qualify regardless of the rental rate or the market. Housing cost should not be more than 1/3 of a indivulaes income otherwise they can not afford it.

Going above that level is why people choose to live pay check to pay check.

People rent ether because they are saving to buy, prefer to rent or rent because they are living beyond their means. Most people don't or can't afford to buy regardless of income.

$1500 in rent and income of $4500 is not above average for a B class rental area.