Whether you’re here to learn or to work, you’ll need a place to stay. Here’s how to get started finding one.
As a J-1 visa holder, you may need to present different documents as part of your application to rent an apartment in the U.S., but the process should not be any more difficult for you than it would be for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you are living in the U.S., you are protected under the Fair Housing Act, which outlaws housing discrimination based on national origin, race, color, religion, sex, disability, or family status. Your landlord is legally bound to treat you like any other prospective renter.
Landlords will likely perform a background check to verify that you are a trustworthy tenant, and will require official documentation that proves your residency in the United States and your ability to reliably pay rent. The kinds of documents you may be asked to present include:
- A copy of your passport and/or visa
- State-issued identification (such as a driver’s license)
- Form I-20 (for students)
- Social Security Number (SSN) if you have one
- Anything that proves your good credit history/financial status (a current banking statement, letter written on your behalf by your banker in your home country, evidence of regularly paid rent or utility bills)
- Statement of acceptance to school and/or proof of financial assistance (for students)
- Statement from a guarantor or co-signer (financially responsible U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is willing and able to be legally responsible for paying the rent if you fail to)
- Contact information of previous landlords you can use as references
- Proof of employment (pay stubs, job offer letters, etc.)
Typically, your landlord will require a payment equal to three months’ rent as a security deposit when you sign your lease. Do not pay rent with cash.
Most apartments in the U.S. will include a stove, refrigerator, and sink in the kitchen, a toilet, bathtub or shower, and sink in the bathroom, at least one lock on the apartment door, and a private mailbox. Some apartments will also have air conditioners, dishwashers, and garbage disposal units in the kitchen. An outdoor parking space or indoor garage space may be included in the rent or offered at an extra charge.
In some apartments, electricity or gas service is included in the rent, but finding and paying for these services is usually the tenant’s responsibility. Telephone service and Wi-Fi/Internet access are not often included, either.
Furnished apartments (with furniture included) usually cost more than unfurnished apartments (without any furniture). If you select an unfurnished apartment, you can either purchase your own furniture, or find a rental company that provides furniture for a monthly fee. Ask your apartment manager about furniture rental.
When you are looking at apartments, here are some things to keep in mind:
- What kind of neighborhood is the apartment located in? Do you feel safe in the area?
- How will you get to and from work and/or school? Is public transportation available? Are there sidewalks, and if so, are they well-lit?
- Is the apartment in good condition? If it needs repairs, will the landlord pay for it? Is there a maintenance person to take care of repairs? Do the windows/doors close and lock properly? Is the building clean?
- Are there laundry facilities in the building or nearby?
- Are pest control/extermination services regularly provided?
- Are the mailboxes secure?
Common websites used to research apartments include:
- Craigslist
- Airbnb
- Zillow
- HotPads
- Homestaybooking
Beware of housing scams and false advertisement. Never provide your personal information or pay anything until you have verified that the individual you are dealing with is trustworthy, that there is actually an apartment to rent, and that the deal is legal (for instance, if you are looking into a sublease in someone’s apartment, check to be sure that the property allows for sublet tenants). If at all possible, visit the apartment and meet your landlord before signing a lease.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at info@gravityintprog.com.
