Lease requirements and rules in the US

Renting a home or apartment in the US as an immigrant involves additional considerations and potential challenges to be aware of.

Let’s take a look at the requirements to lease an apartment in the US:

Short term rental options

Short-term housing is perfect for immigrants who need a place to stay for a few weeks in your new city and look for a permanent place to live.

Pros of Short-Term Housing

• Flexibility: Rent on a month-to-month basis, giving you the freedom to explore different neighborhoods before committing to a long-term home.
• Furnished Options: Move into a fully furnished space, so you don’t have to worry about buying furniture right away.
• All-Inclusive: Some short-term housing options provide utilities, Wi-Fi, and maintenance services included in your rent.
• Book Ahead: Find a place to stay ahead of your arrival in the US, allowing you to move stress-free
• Easier to get approved . Traditional landlords typically require a US credit score, 3x monthly income to rent ratio and prior rental history. Flexible short term rentals usually have much easier requirements and are well equipped to deal with renters applications from international renters and immigrants.

Cons of Short-Term Housing

• Higher Cost: These rentals can be more expensive per month compared to long-term leases.
• Temporary Solution: You’ll eventually need to find a more permanent home, which means moving again.

Best short term rental sites

June

June is one of the top choices for US immigrants looking for flexible and convenient short-term housing. You can browse listings, check availability, and complete the entire immigrant-friendly application process online, which doesn’t require a U.S. credit score! This makes it incredibly convenient if you’re still abroad, or just arriving in the US.

June offers studio, one-bedroom and multi bedroom apartment leases in all major US cities. If you’re looking to move into a larger, multi-bedroom apartment but don’t have a roommate(s), June offers a roommate matching service. They carefully vet potential roommates through background checks to ensure a safe and compatible living arrangement for you. You can learn more about how June Home works here.

Additionally, qualifying for June is easier compared to other short-term housing options, as they accept foreign credit, foreign bank statements, and guarantors.

Benefits of June:

• Easier to get approved: June accepts bank statements or proof who usually don’t recognize foreign income or savings.
• Flexible leases: You can rent for 1-18 months and choose to extend your lease at any time.
• Furnished or unfurnished spaces: You can choose to rent any home fully furnished and equipped, or unfurnished.
• Shared or entire homes: You can choose to live with roommates, or alone.
• Resident services: Easily submit maintenance requests and get 24/7 support through the Resident Portal.

June Homes has apartments and homes to rent in New York City

Get pre-approved to instantly book a home with June. Start the application process here.

Blueground

Benefits of Blueground:

• Fully furnished apartments: No need to worry about buying furniture or household items.
• Flexible leases: Rent month-to-month if you want to explore the neighborhood or city, before committing long-term.
• 24/7 support: Get help whenever you need it with the Blueground mobile app.

Website: https://www.theblueground.com/

Landing

Landing offers a unique membership-based network of furnished apartments with flexible lease options across the US. This platform is particularly appealing to US immigrants who are exploring different states, cities, or neighborhoods and aren’t yet settled on a permanent location.

Finding a furnished apartment through Landing is simple and convenient, whether you're browsing online or using the app. Once you discover a home that fits your needs, you can reserve it and then undergo a background and credit check to qualify for membership.

With the Landing membership, you gain access to a range of benefits, including the ability to transfer to other apartments within their network with just two weeks' notice. This flexibility allows you to experience different living environments and communities as you adjust to life in the US.

Benefits of Landing:

• No security deposit or application fee: Unlike many other short-term housing options, Landing does not require residents to pay security deposits or application fees.
• Flexible leases: While Landing offers short-term leases, they also provide the option for longer stays.
• Ability to move locations: Once you’re a Landing member, you can transfer to another apartment within their network with just a 2 weeks’ notice
• Tech powered: From check in, cleaning, to maintenance requests, you can do it all from the Landing app.

Landing has apartments across over 375+ cities in the U.S., Los Angeles, and more. Check out their website to see all cities .

Website: hellolanding.com (membership)

Furnished Quarters

If you're looking for a short-term, furnished apartment with modern amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient.

Plus, with 24/7 on-demand support, you can easily handle maintenance requests or find services like the best dog walker in town. Additionally, Furnished Quarters offers exclusive discounts on local gyms, fitness studios, museums, restaurants, and more, enhancing your stay with added perks and benefits.

Benefits of Furnished Quarters:

• All-Inclusive Living: Fully furnished apartments with modern decor feature added perks like fitness centers, pools, and lounges.
• Luxurious, Yet Cost-Effective: Rates are 30-50% lower than average hotel prices.
• Flexible lease terms: Choose from short and long term rentals to match your needs.
• Apartment types: Find everything from studios to large 3 bedroom apartments.
• Additional perks: On-demand support, maintenance, and more.

Furnished Quarters offers short term apartments in New York, Jersey City, Stamford, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley.

Bungalow

Bungalow is a great option for US immigrants looking for fully furnished room rentals and shared homes.

It offers flexible leases, easy online booking, and roommate matching to help newcomers find affordable housing quickly.

Benefits of Bungalow:

• Furnished rooms: Move in without buying furniture.
• Flexible leases: Short and medium-term options.
• Roommate matching: Helps simplify shared housing.
• Utilities included: Often bundled into pricing.
• Online booking: Easy approvals and digital process.

Sublets

Sublets are a common way to find short-term housing in many US cities, especially for immigrants who need flexibility.

You can often rent a room or apartment from an existing tenant for a temporary period.

Sublets can help you avoid strict landlord requirements like US credit history or long-term leases.

However, it’s important to verify the arrangement and ensure the sublet is legal under the building’s rules and local laws.

Craigslist apartments and houses

Craigslist can be a helpful place to find apartments, rooms, and sublets—especially in large cities with active housing markets.

But it’s also a platform where scams are common, so you should verify listings, avoid wiring money, and never pay before seeing a place.

When used carefully, Craigslist can uncover deals that aren’t listed on more traditional rental platforms.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace can be another useful tool for finding rentals, rooms, and sublets in the US.

Many listings are posted directly by landlords or tenants, and you can message them quickly through Facebook.

As with Craigslist, you should be cautious of scams and verify legitimacy before paying anything.

It can be particularly useful for immigrants because many communities and local groups share housing options there.

Rent a home

Renting a home as a US immigrant is an exciting step towards making a new place feel like home, the flexibility to explore different neighborhoods and cities.

Plus, it's a great way to settle in and build a sense of community without the long-term commitment of homeownership. Renting can also be more affordable compared to other options like furnished short-term housing or buying a home outright.

However, there are some challenges you might encounter along the way. One of the biggest hurdles is establishing a rental history and creditworthiness in the US, especially if you're new to the country. Landlords often require certain documents to verify your identity, income, and rental history.

Here are some documents you may need as a US immigrant when renting a home:

Keller Law Group. Learn more on www.kellerlaw.com

Tips for US immigrants looking to rent a home

Our top tip for US immigrants is to start with a short-term rental. This gives you time to build up your rental history and credit, making it easier to secure a long-term lease in the future. Starting small also allows you to understand the rental market better before committing to a longer-term arrangement.

Here are some more tips to help make the process smoother if you are looking to rent a home:

• Build Credit History: Open a US bank account once you arrive in the US, apply for a secured credit card, or become an authorized user on someone else's credit card to start building credit history.
• Provide Alternative Documentation: If you lack traditional income verification, submit alternative documentation like bank statements, employer letters, or previous landlord references.
• Seek Assistance: Get help from community organizations, immigrant support groups, or legal services for guidance on navigating the rental process and understanding tenant rights.
• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with fair housing laws to protect against discrimination based on race, national origin, or immigration status.

If you need help navigating the rental process and ensuring your rights are protected as a US immigrant, reach out to our team of immigration lawyers at Keller Law.

Buy a home

Buying a home is a big step towards achieving stability and realizing the American dream of homeownership. It's a chance to establish roots in a community and invest in your future. As a homeowner, you'll have the opportunity to build equity over time, potentially increasing your wealth and enjoying tax benefits like deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes.

However, many immigrants successfully buy homes in the US every year, and there are strategies to help you overcome these obstacles.

Tips for US immigrants looking to buy a home

Here are some tips to help you overcome challenges and successfully buy a home as a US immigrant:

• Build Credit History: Use credit responsibly and make timely payments on bills and debts. This will help you qualify for a mortgage and secure more favorable loan terms.
• Save for a Down Payment: Start saving early for a bigger down payment to improve loan terms. A larger down payment can also help you secure better loan terms and reduce your monthly payments.
• Research Loan Options: Explore mortgage programs specifically designed for immigrants, such as FHA loans or loans offered by lenders who specialize in working with immigrant borrowers.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with a real estate agent, mortgage broker, or financial advisor who can guide you through the home buying process and help you understand your options.

For personalized guidance and support throughout the home buying process, reach out to our team of immigration lawyers at Keller Law. We specialize in helping immigrants navigate legal challenges and can ensure your rights are secure.

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

• Discuss the visa options of interest to you
• General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options
• Information on Keller fees, terms and process
• Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request a consultation

David A. Keller, Esq.

Principal attorney at Keller Law Group

In this blog article:

• Lease requirements and rules in the US
• Short term rental options
• Best short term rental sites
• June
• Furnished Quarters
• Bungalow
• Sublets
• Craigslist apartments and houses
• Facebook Marketplace
• Rent a home
• Tips for US immigrants looking to rent a home
• Buy a home
• Tips for US immigrants looking to buy a home
• Frequently asked questions