INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSCOLLEGELIFESTYLE & TRAVEL

Before You Sign Your Rental Agreement

Renting your first place in the U.S. can feel intimidating, especially as an international student. In addition to learning day-to-day cultural differences, the steps to becoming a renter in the U.S. might differ greatly from how things are handled back home. Read on to learn about the process and discover our top tips for those aspiring to rent!

Come Prepared

It’s best practice to meet your perspective landlord and tour the property before signing your lease. This allows you to determine if the space will fit your needs and decide if the apartment or house manager’s policies and demeanor are agreeable.

Should you choose to apply, it’s helpful to have the necessary documents ready to go. These typically include your passport, visa, pay stubs from the past two months or some other proof of income, and a monthly billing statement from a phone company or other utility. In addition, a property manager might also require a security deposit, two months of bank statements, a credit reference letter, an employment verification letter, letters of reference from any previous landlords, and W-2s, tax returns, or 1099 forms. Don’t panic if you don’t have all these items. To ensure you’re prepared, consider asking the landlord what’s needed to apply ahead of your meet and greet.

Assurance with Insurance

Although renter’s insurance is not mandated by law in every state, many landlords do require it since their insurance will not extend to you and your belongings. Having your own policy provides financial provisions should you experience loss caused by accidents, certain natural disasters, or burglaries. Following one of these instances, insurance claims can be filed in the event inhabitants experience death or bodily injury, or if your belongings are stolen, damaged, or destroyed. It can also cover you if someone sues you for losses or injury claimed to be caused by your inattention.

Renter’s insurance is typically much more affordable compared to homeowner’s insurance and is believed by many to be worthwhile. To connect with an affordable insurance company or broker, consider asking your on-campus resource groups, friends, and credit union for suggestions!

By following these tips, becoming a renter in the U.S. should be a bit easier. To boost your comfort level, try asking a U.S. native or trusted friend for guidance and to accompany you as you complete the process. A second set of eyes never hurts when reviewing documents, and they might offer additional suggestions and provide clarity as you navigate conversations with your landlord. Best of luck!

Sources:

• https://rentprep.com/blog/tenant-screening-news/proof-of-income/#:~:text=Many%20documents%20can%20be%20used,tax%20documents%2C%20and%20bank%20statements
• https://www.turbotenant.com/blog/how-to-screen-international-tenants/#:~:text=Screening%20International%20Tenants%3A%20What%20to%20Evaluate&text=To%20learn%20more%20about%20any,reference%20from%20their%20previous%20landlordhttps://www.hud.gov/states/shared/working/r8/mf/topten
• https://www.nationwide.com/personal/insurance/renters/state/michigan/