Landlords in metro cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi now routinely ask for bank statements before signing a rental agreement. They want to verify that you can afford the rent.
What landlords look for
The basic check is whether your monthly salary credit is at least 3-4 times the monthly rent. If rent is Rs 30,000, landlords want to see income of at least Rs 90,000-1.2 lakh per month. They also check that your balance does not regularly go near zero, which suggests financial stress.
How many months to provide
Three months is the standard. Some landlords ask for 6 months, especially for high-value properties. Provide statements for all accounts if your salary goes into one account and expenses come from another.
Digital vs physical statement
Most landlords accept a downloaded PDF with the bank's header and your account details clearly visible. If the landlord specifically asks for a certified copy, you will need to visit your branch. For a regular rental agreement, a downloaded statement is usually fine.
Privacy tip
You can black out sensitive details like your full account number when sharing your statement. Keep the last four digits visible so the statement can be verified if needed. Never share your full account number, IFSC, or login credentials with anyone asking for a statement.
Related reading: Bank Statement for Home Loan, How to Get a Certified Bank Statement, Bank Statement for Personal Loan Applications.