Housing Information

When you rent an apartment, there are some items that your broker, agent, or landlord will require. Each management company or landlord may have their own specific requirements or request additional documents, but below are the most common documents you will be asked to provide when you apply for housing. 

It’s a great idea to prepare this documentation before you arrive in the U.S. Consult our Budgeting & Cost of Living Guide and ensure that you have English translations of all your documents.

• Rental application: This form will ask you basic information about yourself, including address/contact information, occupation, and rental history. It will also likely ask for some references. Unless they specify, you could include your former landlord, host employer or former employer, former roommate, or friend. You should ensure any reference you list speaks English in the event the landlord wishes to contact them.
• Identification and/or Social Security Number: You will need a valid form of photo I.D. and your Social Security Number (SSN), which you can apply for once you are in the U.S. and are activated in SEVIS.
• Credit Score/Credit Check: Your landlord may ask for a credit check. As a J-1 exchange visitor, you may not have credit history in the U.S., but there are many ways to rent an apartment without a credit history. For example, you may be asked to put down a larger deposit or may need a co-signer on your lease. For more details, review these resources:
  • Home Guides
  • Apartment Ratings
• Guarantor: Some landlords, especially in large cities like NYC, may require that you have a guarantor. This is someone who co-signs a lease with you (like a parent or other family member) and is financially responsible if you are unable to pay. 
  • TheGuarantors is a company that will act as your lease guarantor for a one-time fee (usually a percentage of your annual rent) and help you get approved for an apartment. This is also a great option if you have limited U.S. credit history. 
• Bank Statement(s): Landlords usually want to see a recent statement – usually the last two months – from your bank showing your available funds. If you are low on funds, you may need to consider providing this document from a parent/family member.
• Letter of Employment/Pay Stub(s): Your potential landlord wants to know that you have a steady income. If your internship/training program is paid, ask your host employer to issue you a letter of employment that states your stipend/salary. If your program is unpaid, you may need a letter of employment or pay stub from a parent/family member.
• Fee Payment: You’ll likely need to pay any brokerage fees, application and/or credit check fee or any additional fees up front. Most landlords will only accept certified checks from a local bank.