Pay Stubs•5 min read•
How Many Pay Stubs Do You Need for a Rental Application?
Most landlords require 2-3 months of pay stubs for rental applications. Learn exactly what landlords look for, what income ratio they require, and what to do if you are self-employed.
JP
JustPayStubs Team
Updated February 10, 2026
🏠 Standard Requirement: Most landlords require the last 2-3 months of pay stubs and use a 3x income rule (monthly income must be at least 3x the monthly rent).
What Landlords Actually Want to See
- Income amount -- The 3x rule is standard: $4,500/mo income for a $1,500/mo apartment.
- Consistency -- 2-3 months shows a pattern.
- Reliability -- Same employer each time; job-jumping raises red flags.
Standard Landlord Requirements
| Requirement | Typical Standard |
|---|---|
| Number of pay stubs | 2-3 most recent |
| Income ratio | 3x monthly rent (minimum) |
| Employment duration | 3+ months at current job preferred |
What Pay Stubs Must Show
- Your full name (must match your ID)
- Employer's name and address
- Pay period dates and pay date
- Gross pay amount
- Year-to-date earnings
What If You're Self-Employed?
- Create 3 months of professional pay stubs showing your self-employment income
- Attach your most recent 3 months of bank statements showing income deposits
- Include your most recent tax return
- A letter from your accountant helps
Related Topics
pay stub rental applicationhow many pay stubs for apartmentincome verification rentallandlord pay stub requirementsrent proof of income
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