Help Guide & FAQs

Learn how to configure and use NYC Rent Check across apartment listing sites.

Quick Start Guide

Step 1: Set Up Your Financial Profile

Click the gear icon (⚙️) or right-click the extension icon and select Options. Input your gross annual household income and optional guarantor salary. Click Save Settings.

Step 2: Browse NYC Listings

Open any rental listing on StreetEasy, Zillow, RentHop, Apartments.com, or boutique agency sites.

Step 3: Run the Page Scan

Click the extension icon in your toolbar and press Scan Active Page. The extension automatically scrapes the monthly rent and outputs your prequalification status.

Step 4: Share or Save Breakdown

Click Share Summary to copy a formatted text breakdown to your clipboard, perfect for texting roommates or brokers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 40x rent rule?

In NYC, most landlords require tenants to earn a gross annual income equal to at least 40 times the monthly rent (e.g., $3,000/mo rent requires a $120,000/yr income).

What is the 80x guarantor rule?

If tenant income does not meet the 40x requirement, landlords often accept a third-party guarantor who earns at least 80 times the monthly rent.

What if the extension fails to scan a price?

Make sure you are viewing an individual listing page rather than a broad search results page. If a site uses custom structures, refresh the page and try scanning again.