How much of a percentage of income does rent need to exceed to become burdensome? In the case of a family looking for a unit in Torrance, it was noticeable that the management company's screening process became significantly stricter once the rent exceeded 30% of their income. This can work both to one's advantage and disadvantage. If the rent-to-income ratio is low, it is possible to be approved even with a somewhat low credit score, but if the ratio is high, additional documentation may be required even with a relatively high score.

The rent for a one-bedroom unit in Torrance varies by source. Rent.com lists it at $2,344, ApartmentAdvisor at $2,200, and Apartments.com at $2,040 as of May 2026. RentHop reported a decrease of 7.96% or $182 over the past year. While this indicates a slight easing in the upward trend compared to other coastal cities in Southern California, it is difficult to conclude that this trend will continue. Even if rents are decreasing, it is important to note that management companies may not lower their screening criteria.

The credit score requirements are not significantly different from the national average, with many management companies considering a minimum score between 620 and 650. However, if the rent-to-income ratio exceeds 30%, it is safer to have a score of 680 or above. Most places require a monthly income of at least three times the rent, so for a unit in the $2,200 range, a pre-tax monthly income of around $6,600 is typically needed to pass.

If the rent-to-income ratio is burdensome, there are several options to consider. Having a cosigner can help meet the income requirements, but it also exposes the cosigner's financial status. Rent guarantee services like The Guarantors or Insurent can fulfill the income requirements, but the cost ranges from 4.5% to 10% of the annual rent. Increasing the deposit is limited to one month's rent under the general landlord standards set by AB 12, which took effect in July 2024.

When comparing Torrance to nearby Redondo Beach, Torrance is considered a more favorable option due to its relatively lower rent and decent school district reputation. The school district that Korean families are interested in is within the Torrance Unified School District, and while school ratings can be checked on GreatSchools or Niche, it is advisable to verify the assigned school for the specific address before signing a lease, as district boundaries can change frequently.

For families moving to Torrance from other states, it is important to calculate how the rent-to-income ratio will differ from their previous residence. Since property tax and income tax systems vary by state, simply comparing rent can overlook the actual cost of living burden. For those who have recently immigrated from Korea and are preparing to settle, it is common to have no credit history. Services like Nova Credit can help convert Korean credit history for submission, or offering several months' rent in advance can be a viable option.

The most certain way to lower the rent-to-income ratio is to choose a unit that fits within the budget, but managing credit scores can also broaden options. Keeping credit utilization low and adhering to payment dates is essential, and using management companies that report rent payment history to credit reports can naturally improve scores for future leases.

From an investor's perspective, the recent slowdown in Torrance's rising rents may present a buying opportunity, but there is no guarantee that prices will rise again, so risks should be carefully considered.

Income requirements and screening methods can vary by management company, so it is safer to verify directly before signing a lease. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a real estate professional before entering into any contracts.