“To be approved for an apartment, a person must make three times the rent.”
Most landlords require a prospective tenant's gross monthly income to be at least three times the monthly rent.
Multiple sources confirm that the "3x the rent" rule is a common benchmark for landlords when evaluating rental applications as of April 2026. While some landlords may consider a 2.5x or 3.5x ratio, or review applications on a case-by-case basis, the 3x rule remains the most frequently used standard. Some sources also mention the "30% rule," which is closely related, stating that rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
Judged as of Apr 11, 2026— the video's publish date
As of May 2026, there is evidence that middle-class Americans are living in storage units, tents, and hotels to survive due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Industry data from 2026 indicates that approximately one in three American households (roughly 33%) currently uses self-storage.
In 2026, living in a vehicle—often driven by economic necessity—has become a widespread and increasingly recognized phenomenon, frequently discussed in both social media "nomad" communities and as a significant challenge within the context of the American housing crisis.
Numerous reports and estimates from 2026 indicate that a significant number of Americans, including those who are employed, are living in vehicles due to rising housing costs, inflation, and financial instability.
In April 2026, the national average rent in the United States was reported at approximately $1,730 to $1,740 per month, significantly higher than the $1,600 claimed.