Housing Information
After Move-In
- After Move-In
- Avoiding Scams
- Housing Costs
After Move-In
Once you find a place to live, utilize these resources to help ensure your time in the U.S. goes smoothly.
Tenants’ Rights
Know your rights and what you’ve agreed to — read your lease!
- US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
- NYC.gov (specific to New York City)
Renter's Insurance
Once you’ve signed a lease, you may want to consider purchasing renters insurance. Renters insurance will cover loss or damage to your personal belongings due to events such as fire, theft, vandalism, etc., and it can cost as little as $15 per month. Often your belongings are covered even outside of your home. For example, if your phone is lost or stolen at a restaurant, your renters insurance policy may cover the cost of replacing your phone. Please remember that your accident and sickness insurance will only cover your medical bills if you get sick or injured, so you’ll need renters or travel insurance if you’d like to cover your personal belongings.
Living with Roommates
When living with a roommate or multiple roommates, issues can arise. Before finalizing your housing situation, it’s a good idea to sit down with your roommate(s) to create a roommate agreement. You should discuss apartment/house rules and delegate responsibilities. Refer to this helpful guide on how to get along with roommates for more details.
If there’s a conflict after you move-in, communicate with your roommates to avoid escalating a problem. You can also contact InterExchange for advice regarding a housing conflict.
