How to rent an apartment in 7 quick and easy steps

Curious about how to get an apartment in the USA? This guide will show you how to successfully complete a rental application and tips for getting approved.

Ivandzhelin

5 minute read

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Updated on 12 Sep 2024

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Renting

Are you wondering how to get an apartment? Whether you're moving from abroad or are already living in the US, figuring out how to complete a rental application, pay the fees, or understand background checks can be overwhelming. This is why we've outlined all of the steps for you. With our guidance, you will learn how to rent an apartment easily.

The first question you need to ask yourself is, “How much rent can I afford to pay each month?”. Generally, you should set aside about 30% of your monthly income for rent. You can see a sample budget on the graph above. As a rule of thumb, rent will take up most of your expenses, followed by food, public transport (or driving), and health insurance.

Once you’ve drawn a budget, it’s time to start apartment hunting. This is the time to figure out if you want to live with roommates, have your bills included in your rent, if the apartment will be furnished, and where the apartment will be located.

Your best bet is to look for apartments online through rental platforms. With HousingAnywhere, you can get an apartment from the comfort of your couch. All you need to do is search for the city you want to live in, find the dates you need accommodation, and choose which apartment to rent.

Once you’ve found the place, it’s time to submit the rental application and reach out to the property management firm or landlord. Most places have online forms you can fill in and require 3 types of information: personal information, rental history, and employment information. You'll need to fill out a rental form similar to the one above and include information such as:

• Name
• Current address (for internationals: the address on your visa)
• Phone number and email address
• Valid ID
• Residence permit (e.g., Green card or student visa): for internationals
• Social Security number
• Employment and income information
• Previous address
• Pets (if applicable)
• Emergency contacts
• Background information (e.g., previous address, nationality)
• Landlord references
• Personal and professional references

Any roommates or co-signers on the lease have to present the same information.

The application fee covers screening costs like credit checks, background checks, and document processing fees. The amount is paid every time you submit an application fee and varies depending on the apartment, location, and property manager/landlord.

Booking through HousingAnywhere, you don’t pay any application or subscription fees. All you need to pay is a one-time booking/service fee in case of a successful booking.

Don’t get scared if your landlord asks you for a credit or a background check—it’s a standard practice, ensuring you’re the right person to rent the apartment.

Background check

The background check typically includes checking your rental history, contacting your previous landlord, and checking whether you have a criminal record or if you've been evicted. Be transparent if you have a record or have been evicted a it's better to be upfront with things like that.

If you're a first-time renter or a foreigner, you can use a co-signer or guarantor for your rental history check. This way, you can prove you’re a responsible renter and increase your chances of getting the apartment.

Credit score check

The credit score check looks at factors such as payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit accounts, and recent credit inquiries. A higher credit score is generally associated with better creditworthiness and may result in more favorable terms of rental agreements.

A credit score of at least 620 is preferable. If you don't know yours, you can find it through annualcreditreport.com, the only website providing free and federally authorized credit scores.

Be upfront if you have a bad or no credit history (e.g., foreigners), as it will come up during the check. You can find a guarantor or co-signer to help you rent the apartment. They co-sign the lease, guaranteeing they will cover the rent if you cannot. If that's your situation, check out our guide on how to get an apartment with bad credit.

Depending on the property and landlord, you might be required to provide a reference for the application as a way to show you’re trustworthy. This usually comes from your previous landlord, who vouches that you’re a good tenant.

You can also include personal references from employers or friends, but those are rarely necessary (definitely use a personal reference if you’re a first-time renter).

We're almost there! Before signing, ask your landlord how much is the security deposit, if there’re any additional fees before signing, and how rental payments should be made.

Security deposits are state-mandated but are usually equal to a month’s rent and are used to ensure the tenant takes care of the property while they’re living there. Make sure you have proof that you’ve paid for the security deposit.

Once that’s cleared, carefully read the agreement before you sign and pay attention to several things, including:

• Start date and validity of your contract
• Terms for payment (rent, utilities, security deposit, and repayments )
• Landlord and tenant obligations (e.g., repairs, pets, house rules)
• Clauses for termination, renewal, and end of the lease
• List of inventory (e.g., appliances and furniture)

Congratulations! You’re now renting an apartment.

1. Can a foreigner rent an apartment in the US?

Yes, you don’t have to be an American citizen to rent an apartment in the US. Landlords can’t legally deny you a rental application for reasons such as religious beliefs, gender, age, marital status, nationality, ethnicity, or disability status.

To rent an apartment in the US, foreigners need an American residence permit, the so-called “Green card”, proving their permanent residency status. There’re several types of visas you can be eligible for, including family-based and work-based cards.

2. How long does it take to get approved for an apartment?

It depends on the situation, the landlord/property manager, and the apartment you’re renting. As a rule of thumb, approval can take anywhere between a few days to a few weeks, commonly 72 hours.

3. How do people pay rent in the USA?

The best way to pay rent is through certified payments like cashier’s and certified checks, money orders, and direct deposits (transferring the rent directly to their account via online banking). Using methods that aren’t trackable and verifiable, like personal checks, cash, and peer-to-peer payments like (PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle) isn’t recommended.

4. How old do you have to be to rent an apartment?

You need to be at least 18 years old to be able to rent an apartment legally, as you're signing a legally binding contract (the rental lease). Generally, the state determines the age limit, but they have to meet the age of majority (usually 18). Some states allow you to rent from the age of 17 or if you’re emancipated, but it heavily depends on your case.

Renting at 18 you probably also have low or no credit score. If this is your case be sure to check out our guide to renting without credit history to learn what you can do to get an apartment in the US.

5. What happens after you’re approved for an apartment?

After you’ve been approved for an apartment, it’s time to sign the rental lease, determine the move-in date, and pay the security deposit and first month’s rent.

6. Can you apply for multiple apartments?

Yes, you can. It’s even advisable to apply for a few apartments at once, as it increases your chances of getting an apartment.

Now that you know how to get an apartment, all that's left is to move in and start the next chapter of your life. Be sure to check out our guide on relocation to the US to find out what you need to pack with you.