How to Rent an Apartment in the U.S.: A Guide for Students

Key Takeaways

• International students can rent private apartments in the U.S., but you may face additional application requirements if you don't have a U.S. credit or rental history.
• Renting usually involves setting a budget, finding an apartment, verifying the property, applying, reviewing the lease, and preparing for move-in.
• If you don't have a U.S. credit history, a landlord may accept proof of funds, a co-signer or guarantor, or another form of financial assurance.
• Renting an apartment can involve several upfront costs, including an application fee, a security deposit, the first month's rent, and utility setup costs.
• If you're searching from outside the U.S., verify both the property and the person offering it before you provide sensitive information, sign a lease, or send money.

You've been admitted to a U.S. school and now need somewhere to live. If you're an international student without an established U.S. rental history or credit score, figuring out how to rent an apartment in the U.S. may seem complicated.

However, the whole process becomes easier once you know what landlords may ask for, how applications work, and what to prepare before you start searching.

Can International Students Rent an Apartment in the U.S.?

Yes. International students can rent private housing in the U.S., although you'll still need to meet the landlord's application requirements. Federal fair housing law prohibits housing discrimination based on national origin, along with several other protected characteristics. State and local laws may provide additional protections.

For many international students, the main challenge is meeting financial screening requirements without an established U.S. credit or rental history. Landlords and property managers may use tenant screening reports that include credit information, rental history, and employment verification.

If you don't have this U.S. history yet, you may need another way to show that you can afford the rent. The options available depend on the landlord and local law. You may also want to check on-campus housing before looking elsewhere. Availability and application requirements vary by school, and some universities require certain students to live on campus.

How to Rent an Apartment in the U.S.: Step by Step

The rental process is easier to manage when you break it into clear steps, like setting your budget, finding the right apartment, preparing your documents, and reviewing the lease before you sign.

Step 1: Set Your Budget Before You Start Searching

Before looking at listings, decide how much you can realistically spend on housing each month. Start with the funds you expect to have available during the school year. These may include scholarships, savings, family support, an assistantship, or other authorized income.

A common housing affordability benchmark is to spend no more than 30% of your income on housing costs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) considers households that spend more than 30% of their income on housing and utilities to be cost-burdened. However, this general benchmark may be less useful for students whose income comes from savings or family support.

Instead, look at what you'll have left after housing. Remember that monthly housing costs can include more than rent. You may also need to pay for electricity, internet, or other utilities. Transportation and groceries also need room in your budget.

Renting usually involves upfront costs as well. Estimate those before you start applying so you know how much money you'll need around move-in.

Step 2: Choose Where You Want to Live

Once you know what you can spend, compare areas around your university. Rent, transportation, and nearby services can vary considerably even within the same city.

Think about:

• Distance from campus: Compare rent with the time and cost involved in getting to class.
• Public transportation: Check whether buses, trains, or university shuttles serve the area and how late they operate.
• Commute time: Consider how the trip will fit around classes and other commitments.
• Groceries and essentials: Look for grocery stores, pharmacies, and other services you expect to use regularly.
• Neighborhood environment: Use university resources and other reliable local information to learn about the area.
• Rent in nearby areas: Compare several current listings to get a realistic sense of what different neighborhoods cost.
• Roommates: Sharing an apartment can reduce the amount you pay toward rent and utilities.

If you plan to live with roommates, ask how the lease is structured. You may all sign one lease, or each tenant may have a separate agreement. Your financial responsibility can differ depending on the arrangement.

Check whether your university has an off-campus housing office or housing portal as well. School-supported resources can be a useful place to begin your search.

Step 3: Search for Available Apartments

Use your university's housing resources along with established rental platforms and property-management company websites.

Common U.S. rental platforms include Zillow, Apartments.com, and Rent.com. However, a listing appearing on a well-known website doesn't guarantee that it's legitimate, so verify the property and landlord before sharing sensitive information or sending money. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers sometimes copy legitimate rental listings and replace the real contact information with their own.

When comparing apartments, check:

• Monthly rent and any mandatory monthly fees
• Lease length
• Move-in and availability dates
• Which utilities are included
• Application fees and deposits
• Whether the apartment is furnished
• Parking costs or availability
• Roommate arrangements, if applicable

Pay attention to charges beyond the advertised monthly rent. The FTC recommends checking whether the advertised price includes all mandatory fees and services and asking for any additional charges in writing.

Save the listings you're interested in and contact the landlord or property manager with any questions that aren't answered in the listing.

Step 4: Schedule a Viewing and Verify the Property

Whenever possible, verify an apartment before you sign a lease or send money.

An in-person viewing gives you the best chance to confirm that the property exists and matches the listing. If you're still abroad, ask whether someone you trust can view the apartment for you. A live video tour may also give you more information, but you should still verify the landlord or property-management company independently.

During a viewing, check:

• The condition of the walls, floors, ceilings, and windows
• Appliances included with the apartment
• Water and hot water
• Heating or cooling equipment
• Door and window locks
• Shared areas, such as laundry rooms or parking
• Visible damage or maintenance concerns

Ask questions while you're there. If something in the listing doesn't match what you see, clarify it before applying.

Scam warning: Be cautious if someone refuses to show you the property, pressures you to pay immediately, or insists on a hard-to-reverse payment method. The FTC's rental listing scams guidance identifies these as common warning signs.

Step 5: Prepare the Documents and Financial Information You Need

Rental requirements vary, so ask what the landlord needs before submitting documents.

You may be asked for:

• Photo identification: A landlord may accept your passport as government-issued identification.
• Enrollment confirmation: Some student-oriented properties may ask for proof that you attend the university.
• Proof of funds or income: This may include bank statements, scholarship documentation, or assistantship information.
• Financial support documentation: If someone else supports you financially, the landlord may ask for evidence of that arrangement.
• Rental references: If you've rented before, you may be asked for information about previous landlords.
• Co-signer or guarantor information: This may be required if you don't meet the property's financial requirements on your own.

Only provide sensitive documents after you've verified the landlord or management company and confirmed that you're using its legitimate application process. The FTC warns that rental scammers may ask for Social Security numbers, identification documents, and financial information that can be used for identity theft.

A rental application may also ask for a Social Security Number if the landlord uses credit or tenant screening.

Many newly arrived international students don't have an SSN, and you generally can't obtain one simply because you need it for an apartment. The Social Security Administration generally issues SSNs to noncitizens who have permission to work. F-1 students have additional requirements tied to authorized employment.

Step 6: Apply Without a U.S. Credit History

Not having a U.S. credit history is common when you've recently arrived in the country. It may limit your options at some properties, but it doesn't automatically prevent you from renting.

Landlords often use credit reports or tenant screening reports to evaluate applicants. These reports may include your credit history, previous rental information, and income or employment verification.

If you don't have enough U.S. history for the landlord's usual screening process, ask what alternatives they accept. Options may include:

• Proof of funds: Bank statements or other financial documents may help show that you have enough money available to cover the rent.
• Scholarship or assistantship documentation: This can provide evidence of funding you expect to receive.
• A co-signer or guarantor: Some landlords allow another person who meets their financial requirements to guarantee the lease.
• A commercial guarantor service: Some international students use third-party guarantor services for a fee. Check whether the landlord accepts the service and review the cost and terms carefully.
• A larger deposit or prepaid rent: A landlord may request additional financial assurance where state and local laws allow it.
• Student-oriented housing: Some properties near universities have rental requirements designed for students who don't yet have an established U.S. credit history.

If information in a tenant screening or credit report leads to your application being rejected or to less favorable terms, such as a higher deposit or a co-signer requirement, the landlord generally must provide an adverse action notice. You can request a free copy of the report from the company that supplied it within 60 days and dispute information that is inaccurate or outdated.

Understanding U.S. credit scores can also be useful during your time in the U.S.

Step 7: Submit the Rental Application and Understand the Fees

Once you find an apartment that fits your needs, ask the landlord or property manager to explain the application process. It may involve:

1. Completing a rental application.
2. Providing the required supporting documents.
3. Authorizing a credit or tenant screening report, if applicable.
4. Paying an application or screening fee, if required.
5. Waiting for the landlord to review your application.

Application and screening fees vary by property and location. Some are nonrefundable, while state or local laws may limit how much a landlord can charge or set other requirements. For example, New York currently limits credit and background check fees to $20.

Ask for the exact fee and refund policy before paying. If you submit several applications, keep track of the total cost so application fees don't take up too much of your housing budget. Also ask the property manager how long the review normally takes. Application timelines vary by property, so there isn't one standard approval period.

Step 8: Review the Lease Before Signing

A lease is a legal contract that sets the terms of your rental. Read the entire document before signing, even if the landlord says it's a standard lease. Your rights and obligations are also affected by state and local rental laws.

Check:

• Monthly rent and the payment due date
• Lease length
• Security deposit and the conditions for its return
• Utilities included in your rent
• Other recurring fees
• Late-payment rules
• Early termination terms
• Renewal procedures
• Guest policies
• Subletting rules
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Renters insurance requirements

Pay particular attention to the early termination terms. If you leave before the lease ends, you may still be responsible for rent or other costs, depending on your lease and applicable law.

Your university may also offer an off-campus housing office or student legal service that can help you understand the agreement. Remember to keep a copy of the final signed lease for your records.

Step 9: Pay the Move-In Costs and Prepare for Move-In

Once your application is approved and the lease is signed, review how much you'll need to pay before move-in. The exact costs depend on the property and local rental laws.

Cost	What to Expect
Security deposit	Amount and legal limits vary by state and locality
First month's rent	May be due before or at move-in
Last month's rent	Some landlords require this where permitted
Renters insurance	May be required under your lease
Utility deposits or setup charges	Depend on the utility provider and your account
Furniture and household items	May be a significant expense if the apartment is unfurnished

There is no standard nationwide amount for move-in costs. Rules for security deposits and other rental charges vary by location, so check the tenant protections that apply in your state or city.

Once you move in:

• Photograph the apartment before unpacking and document any existing damage.
• Complete any required move-in inspection and report existing damage within the timeframe specified by your lease or local rules.
• Keep copies of your move-in documents and payment records.

A U.S. bank account may make it easier to pay rent, utilities, and other expenses.

How to Avoid Rental Scams When Searching From Abroad

Searching from another country makes it harder to verify a rental in person, so take a few extra steps before you apply or send personal information.

Before moving forward with a listing:

• Search the address independently: Check whether the same property appears elsewhere with a different landlord, company, price, or contact information.
• Verify the property-management company: Find its official website yourself and use the contact information listed there to confirm that the property and agent are legitimate.
• Research the landlord or company: Search the name alongside terms such as "review," "complaint," or "scam."
• Protect your personal information: Don't send documents containing sensitive financial or identification information until you've verified who you're dealing with and confirmed the application process.
• Compare the listing with the official source: If a management company has its own website, check that the apartment appears there and that the details match.

If you find a fraudulent listing, report it to the website where it appeared and to the FTC. The FTC also recommends reporting rental scams to your state attorney general and local law enforcement.

What to Do After You Find Your Apartment

Once you've moved in, there are a few practical details to take care of so you know how the apartment and building operate.

• Set up utilities and internet: Check which services are included in rent and which accounts you need to open yourself.
• Confirm your rent payment method: Make sure you know the amount, due date, and approved way to pay each month.
• Learn how maintenance requests work: Find out whether problems should be reported through an online portal, email, phone number, or another official method.
• Read the building rules: Check any policies covering noise, parking, trash, laundry, and shared spaces.
• Save important contact information: Keep your landlord or property-management office's contact details somewhere easy to find in case you need to report an urgent problem.
• Buy what you need for the apartment: If the unit is unfurnished, start with the essentials and add other items over time.

Your Next Steps

Renting an apartment in the U.S. may involve more preparation when you're new to the country, especially if you don't yet have a U.S. credit or rental history. Knowing how the process works can help you make better-informed decisions along the way.

Give yourself enough time to compare your options, understand the terms you're agreeing to, and make sure the apartment fits both your budget and your needs.

Once you've found the right place, you'll be in a better position to focus on settling in and starting your time at school.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Rent an Apartment Before I Arrive in the U.S.?

Yes, if the landlord allows remote applications and lease signing. Ask how the process works and which documents you'll need to provide from abroad.

Before signing or paying, make sure you've completed the verification steps covered earlier. Searching remotely makes it especially important to confirm that the property and landlord are legitimate.

Can International Students Live Off Campus in Their First Year?

It depends on your university. Some schools require first-year students to live in university housing, while others allow students to choose off-campus housing.

Check your school's current housing policy before signing a private lease. If a residency requirement applies to you, find out whether exemptions are available and how to request one.

How Long Does an Apartment Application Take to Be Approved?

There's no standard approval time. It depends on the landlord, how quickly screening can be completed, and whether the application is complete.

Ask the property manager for its expected timeline when you apply. If that period passes without an update, a brief follow-up is reasonable. Start searching early enough that you have time to compare options.

Can I Sublet My Apartment When I Go Home for the Summer?

It depends on your lease and local law. Some leases prohibit subletting, while others require written approval from the landlord before another person can live in the apartment.

Read the subletting section of your lease before making plans. If your landlord agrees to a sublet, get the approval and any related conditions in writing.

Do I Need Renters Insurance as an International Student?

It depends on your lease. Some landlords require renters insurance, while others leave the decision to the tenant.

Renters insurance may cover personal belongings if they're damaged or stolen under circumstances covered by the policy. Many policies also include some form of personal liability protection, but coverage and exclusions vary.

Renters insurance and health insurance serve different purposes. As you prepare to live off campus, make sure you've also checked your school's health insurance requirements. ISO offers affordable international student health insurance for eligible students in the U.S., with plan benefits and eligibility varying by option.

This article was written by ISO Customer Care. It is intended for general informational purposes about renting in the United States and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Rental laws and requirements vary by state and locality. For questions specific to your situation, consult your university's housing or legal aid office or another qualified resource.