Finding a first apartment in the US is often the most stressful part of moving. Landlords want proof that you’ll pay on time, and the usual proof, a US credit score and rental history, is exactly what newcomers don’t have. There are standard ways around this, though, and landlords in cities with many international residents see them all the time.
What landlords check
- Income: many want monthly gross income of about three times the rent (40x annual rent is common in New York)
- Credit report and score
- Rental history and references
- Photo ID
- Sometimes a background check
Documents to prepare
- Passport and visa
- Offer letter or employment verification letter with salary
- Recent pay stubs, if you’ve started work
- Bank statements showing savings
- University admission letter and I-20, for students
- A reference letter from a previous landlord, even from abroad
Put everything in one PDF. In competitive markets, the first complete application often wins.
If you have no US credit
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| Larger deposit | Some landlords accept extra deposit, within state legal limits |
| Guarantor | Someone with US income and credit agrees to pay if you can’t |
| Guarantor company | A service acts as your guarantor for a fee |
| Prepaid rent | Paying months in advance, where legal |
| Proof of savings | Bank statements showing enough to cover the lease |
| Employer or university housing | Partner buildings used to newcomers |
Some states and cities limit how much deposit or prepaid rent a landlord can take. Ask what’s allowed where you’re renting.
Understanding the lease
A lease is a legal contract, usually for 12 months. Read the whole thing. These are the clauses people regret skipping:
- Break-lease terms: what you owe if you leave early
- Renewal: whether it renews automatically and how much notice you must give
- Utilities: which ones you pay (electric, gas, water, internet)
- Pets, guests and subletting rules
- Maintenance: who fixes what, and how to request repairs
- Move-out cleaning and deposit return timeline
Move-in photos: On day one, take dated photos and video of every room, including scratches and stains. Email them to your landlord. This protects your deposit.
Fees you might see
- Application fee
- Security deposit
- First month’s rent (and sometimes last month’s)
- Broker fee in some cities
- Amenity or move-in fees in large buildings
- Pet deposit or monthly pet rent
Renters insurance
Many landlords require it. It covers your belongings and your liability if, for example, you accidentally flood the apartment below. It’s often inexpensive and quick to buy online.
How to spot a rental scam
- The rent is much lower than similar places nearby
- The “landlord” is overseas and can’t show the apartment
- You’re asked to pay by wire, gift card or crypto
- Pressure to pay a deposit before seeing the lease
- The listing photos appear on other sites with different addresses
If you’re searching from abroad, ask a friend or a paid service to view the apartment, or insist on a live video tour where you choose what the camera shows.
Your basic rights
Tenant laws vary by state and city, but federal fair housing law bans discrimination based on national origin, race, religion, sex, disability and family status. Many states also require landlords to keep the unit habitable, return deposits within a set time and give notice before entering.
Roommates and sublets
Sharing a larger apartment is common and can cut costs sharply. If you sublet from someone else’s lease, make sure the landlord allows it, and get a written agreement.
Where to search
Large listing sites cover most of the market. Local options often have better deals: neighborhood Facebook groups, university housing boards, community newsletters and simply walking around looking for “For Rent” signs. In some cities, building management companies list directly on their own websites.
Questions to ask on a viewing
- Which utilities are included?
- How is heat and air conditioning provided?
- Is there laundry in the building?
- How are repairs requested, and how fast are they usually done?
- Has the unit had pests or water damage?
- Is renters insurance required?
- When is rent due and how is it paid?
- What’s the policy on guests, roommates and subletting?
Estimating your real monthly cost
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Rent | The obvious one |
| Electricity and gas | Can be high in summer or winter |
| Internet | Usually separate |
| Water and trash | Sometimes billed separately |
| Renters insurance | Often required |
| Laundry | Coin or card machines add up |
| Parking | Can be a separate monthly fee |
Getting your deposit back
Most states set a deadline for landlords to return deposits after you move out, often between 14 and 30 days, and require an itemized list of any deductions. Clean thoroughly, take move-out photos, return all keys and give your forwarding address in writing.
Breaking a lease
Life changes. If you need to leave early, read your lease’s early-termination clause first. Options can include paying a set fee, finding a replacement tenant or subletting with permission. Some states require landlords to try to re-rent the unit rather than charging you for every remaining month. Talk to your landlord early and in writing.
Repairs and maintenance
Send repair requests in writing, even if you also call. Keep a record of dates and replies. For urgent issues, like no heat in winter or a major leak, most places require faster action. Local tenant organizations can explain your options if repairs are ignored.
Your rental timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks before | Research neighborhoods, set a budget, gather documents |
| 3–4 weeks before | View apartments and apply |
| 1–2 weeks before | Sign lease, buy renters insurance, set up utilities and internet |
| Move-in day | Inspect, take photos, test appliances, get keys |
| First week | Submit a written list of any issues to the landlord |
Setting up utilities
Ask your landlord which companies provide electricity, gas and water. You’ll usually create an account online with your new address and move-in date. Internet often needs an installation appointment, so book it early. Some utilities ask for a deposit if you don’t have US credit; ask whether a letter from a previous provider abroad or proof of income can replace it.
Being a good tenant
Pay rent on time, report problems early, and keep communication in writing. A good relationship with your first landlord gives you a US rental reference, which makes your next apartment much easier to get.
Words you’ll see in listings
- No fee: no broker fee for the tenant
- Net effective rent: advertised rent after a free-month discount; your monthly payment may be higher
- Pre-war / post-war: when the building was built (mainly NYC)
- In-unit W/D: washer and dryer inside the apartment
- Heat and hot water included: common in older buildings
Choosing between two apartments
When you’re torn between two places, compare the total monthly cost (rent plus utilities, parking and laundry), commute time at rush hour, building condition and how responsive the landlord seemed. The cheaper place often ends up costing more once everything is added up.
Furnishing on a budget
- Start with a mattress, one chair and kitchen basics; add slowly
- Check local marketplace sites and “buy nothing” groups for free furniture
- University move-out weeks in May are great for secondhand finds
- Measure doorways and stairs before buying large items
