Housing Information
How to find housing
Once you identify a potential apartment, schedule a viewing before signing anything. You can use our Housing Checklist when visiting properties to ensure they meet your needs.
1. Research
Use the resources listed on this page to find housing. You’ll want to avoid housing that requires you to sign a long-term lease. Be cautious if you see an ad that seems too good to be true or that requires you to wire money. Remember, your housing should be within reasonable distance to your employment site and in an area with regular, safe, and affordable transportation options.
2. Lease
Once you have decided where you want to live, you may be asked to sign a lease. This is a contract between you (the tenant) and your landlord. Read the lease thoroughly, make sure you understand all of the terms before you sign it, and make sure the landlord has signed it. At this point, make a copy for your records. A lease is a record that you have rented a house or an apartment. Without it, you may not be protected. If your landlord does not require a lease, you may request one.
3. Deposit
Your landlord may request a portion of your rent in addition to a refundable security deposit, which may be due when you sign your lease. Please bring enough money with you to cover these costs. Information regarding the deposit should be clearly outlined in the lease and should include information about the return procedure, including when and how it will be returned. It is never safe to wire money to someone you don’t know, so if you cannot view the property in-person, ask someone you trust to go and confirm it’s for rent. Or wait until you have arrived in the U.S. so you can see the property yourself. This is the best way to confirm the legitimacy of the landlord and the property.
4. Move-In
Upon move-in you should take note of any pre-existing damages and send an email or letter to your landlord with the information. Keep a copy for yourself. Be sure to also take pictures and/or videos of the damage and condition of the housing. If it’s not provided in your lease, ask your landlord for their full name, email address, and phone number, in case you have any issues with your housing.
5. Respect Your Housing
Don’t forget you are leasing your housing, you do not own it. It is extremely important that you treat it with care to ensure the return of your security deposit. Be respectful of your neighbors, and keep noise to a minimum to avoid any fines.
6. Paying Rent
Make sure you know when your rent is due to avoid late fees. No matter which way you pay whether it is via cash, credit card, or check, you should always get a receipt upon payment. Save the receipt for your records.
7. Move-Out
Arrange a walkthrough with your landlord. A walkthrough allows both you and your landlord to view the condition of the housing together. We recommend taking pictures and/or videos again upon move-out. If you move-out before the agreed upon date in your lease, be aware that you may forfeit your security deposit.
8. Return of Deposit
If your housing was left in good condition, you should receive your deposit back. If outlined in your lease, a portion of your deposit may be nonrefundable. Talk to your landlord before you depart the U.S. about when and how the deposit will be returned.
NOTE: This list is not exhaustive and is only meant to summarize the rental process.
