Renting an apartment as an international student

International students often wonder if they can rent apartments on an I-20 Visa or with some other non-resident visa.

The answer is yes.   It is possible and shouldn't be so difficult. 

The two caveats area that paperwork will be involved, and also a guarantor may be necessary.   In most cases this means that a landlord that accepts international or third party guarantors is necessary.  (A third party guarantor company will typically charge a little less than a month's rent, then issue a surety bond covering the lease.)

The big advantage to this system is that the renter is not limited to a select few landlords chosen by the school and does not have to share a room with a total stranger or settle for off-market leasing.

So, how to apply?   Well, simply find an apartment or an agent, and when you're ready to put in an application be sure to potentially have the following documents in hand:

• Passport or Photo ID
• Last 2 months of bank statements
• Proof of financial assistance
• I-20 Visa
• School's offer letter
• Recommendation letters
• Employment letter (*if work is allowed)
• Any information regarding your guarantor requested by the leasing office

Aside from all of this everything else should be smooth sailing!