Process of Renting a Home in America

1. Research and Selection:

   • Identify desired location, property type (e.g., apartment, house), and budget using online search engines or real estate agents.
   • South Africans should consider urban vs. rural preferences, noting U.S. zoning laws differ from South Africa’s township layouts.

2. Initial Inquiry:

   • Contact landlords or property managers via phone, email, or online portals to express interest and schedule viewings.
   • Newcomers may need to request multilingual support for clarity.

3. Application Submission:

   • Complete a rental application, typically online or in-person, providing personal details (e.g., name, address history), income proof, and references.
   • A non-refundable application fee ($30–$50) is common to cover background and credit checks.

4. Screening Process:

   • Landlords conduct credit checks (soft inquiries, not affecting scores), background checks (e.g., criminal history), and rental history verification.
   • South Africans without U.S. credit history may need to provide international credit reports or alternative proof (e.g., bank statements).

5. Approval and Negotiation:

   • If approved, negotiate lease terms (e.g., duration, pet policies) with the landlord.
   • Conditional approval may require higher deposits or a cosigner if credit or income falls short.

6. Lease Signing and Payment:

   • Sign a lease agreement (usually 6–12 months, renewable) and pay the first month’s rent, security deposit, and any additional fees.
   • The lease outlines tenant and landlord responsibilities, a legal step more formalized than South Africa’s contracts.

7. Move-In:

   • Conduct a move-in inspection with the landlord to document property condition, ensuring no future disputes over deposits.
   • Arrange utilities (e.g., electricity, water) in the tenant’s name, a common U.S. practice.

Standard Requirements

• Identification: Valid government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license) or refugee documentation (e.g., I-94).
• Rental History: Verification of past residences (e.g., landlord references, lease copies), or proof of home ownership as a substitute.
• Background Check: Criminal history review; convictions for violent crimes or drug manufacturing may lead to denial.
• Income Verification: Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, or bank statements, often required for all adults over 18.
• References: Employer or personal references to vouch for reliability.

Credit Score Requirements

• No Universal Standard: Requirements vary by landlord and region, with no legal minimum, but a “good” score (670–739) is often preferred.
• Typical Range: Most landlords seek 600–650 as a baseline, though large property management companies may require 620–700.
• Below 600: Possible with a cosigner, higher deposit, or upfront rent, especially for private landlords over corporate ones.
• Newcomers: Without U.S. credit history, international scores or alternative financial proof (e.g., savings) may be accepted, though deposits may increase.
• Impact: Scores below 500 may face automatic rejection unless mitigated by strong income or references.

Earning Requirements

• Income-to-Rent Ratio: Typically 2.5–3 times the monthly rent (e.g., $3,000–$3,600/month for $1,200 rent).
• Household Income: Combined income of all financially responsible adults (e.g., spouses) is considered, excluding minors.
• Verification: Three months of pay stubs or bank statements; self-employed individuals may need tax returns.
• Exceptions: Conditional approval possible if rent is 36–45% of income, often with higher deposits or a guarantor.
• South African Note: Newcomers without U.S. income history may use job offer letters or sponsor affidavits, common for refugees.

Deposits

• Security Deposit: Usually 1–2 months’ rent, refundable after lease end if no damage occurs (e.g., $1,200–$2,400 for $1,200 rent).
• Pet Deposit: $100–$500, often non-refundable or partially refundable, required if pets are allowed.
• Additional Deposits: May increase to 3 months’ rent for low credit scores, evictions, or short residency (<1 year), capped by state law.
• Return Process: Refund within 14–60 days post-lease, depending on state, after a move-out inspection.
• South African Difference: U.S. deposits are more standardized than South Africa’s variable cash agreements.

Table of Online Search Engines for Rental Property

Tips for Best Value by State

• Alabama: Look in Birmingham or Huntsville for affordable apartments ($700–$900/month); avoid coastal areas like Gulf Shores.
• Alaska: Seek Anchorage rentals ($1,000–$1,300) over remote villages; check university housing for deals.
• Arizona: Phoenix suburbs (e.g., Mesa) offer value ($1,100–$1,400) vs. Scottsdale’s premium rates.
• Arkansas: Little Rock provides budget options ($600–$800); rural areas are cheaper but sparse.
• California: Inland cities like Fresno ($1,200–$1,500) beat coastal LA ($2,500+); consider roommates.
• Colorado: Colorado Springs ($1,300–$1,600) is more affordable than Denver; check military base areas.
• Connecticut: Hartford suburbs ($1,200–$1,500) offer value over Stamford’s high costs.
• Delaware: Wilmington rentals ($1,000–$1,300) are better than coastal resort areas.
• Florida: Orlando suburbs ($1,300–$1,600) outshine Miami’s premium market.
• Georgia: Atlanta outskirts (e.g., Decatur, $1,100–$1,400) vs. downtown’s high rates.
• Hawaii: Outside Honolulu (e.g., Hilo, $1,500–$1,800) for better value on other islands.
• Idaho: Boise outskirts ($1,000–$1,300) are more affordable than city center.
• Illinois: Outside Chicago (e.g., Joliet, $900–$1,200) for savings.
• Indiana: Indianapolis suburbs ($800–$1,100) beat urban core costs.
• Iowa: Des Moines offers value ($700–$1,000); rural areas are even lower.
• Kansas: Wichita ($600–$900) is cheaper than Overland Park.
• Kentucky: Louisville suburbs ($800–$1,100) vs. downtown’s higher rates.
• Louisiana: Baton Rouge ($800–$1,100) outshines New Orleans’ tourist areas.
• Maine: Portland outskirts ($1,100–$1,400) offer better deals.
• Maryland: Outside Baltimore (e.g., Dundalk, $1,100–$1,400) for savings.
• Massachusetts: Worcester ($1,300–$1,600) beats Boston’s high costs.
• Michigan: Grand Rapids ($800–$1,200) vs. Detroit’s variable market.
• Minnesota: Outside Minneapolis (e.g., St. Paul, $1,000–$1,300).
• Mississippi: Jackson ($700–$900) is more affordable than coastal areas.
• Missouri: Kansas City suburbs ($800–$1,100) vs. urban core.
• Montana: Bozeman outskirts ($1,000–$1,300) beat city center.
• Nebraska: Omaha ($800–$1,100) offers value over Lincoln.
• Nevada: Outside Las Vegas (e.g., Henderson, $1,200–$1,500).
• New Hampshire: Manchester suburbs ($1,200–$1,500) vs. urban rates.
• New Jersey: Outside Newark (e.g., Trenton, $1,300–$1,600).
• New Mexico: Albuquerque ($800–$1,100) beats Santa Fe’s premiums.
• New York: Outside NYC (e.g., Albany, $1,000–$1,300).
• North Carolina: Raleigh suburbs ($1,000–$1,300) vs. Charlotte’s highs.
• North Dakota: Fargo ($700–$1,000) is affordable statewide.
• Ohio: Columbus suburbs ($800–$1,100) vs. Cleveland’s costs.
• Oklahoma: Oklahoma City ($600–$900) beats Tulsa slightly.
• Oregon: Outside Portland (e.g., Salem, $1,100–$1,400).
• Pennsylvania: Outside Philadelphia (e.g., Allentown, $1,000–$1,300).
• Rhode Island: Outside Providence (e.g., Warwick, $1,200–$1,500).
• South Carolina: Columbia ($800–$1,100) vs. Charleston’s highs.
• South Dakota: Sioux Falls ($700–$1,000) offers value.
• Tennessee: Outside Nashville (e.g., Murfreesboro, $900–$1,200).
• Texas: Outside Austin (e.g., San Antonio, $1,000–$1,300).
• Utah: Outside Salt Lake City (e.g., Ogden, $1,000–$1,300).
• Vermont: Outside Burlington (e.g., Montpelier, $1,100–$1,400).
• Virginia: Outside Richmond (e.g., Chesterfield, $1,100–$1,400).
• Washington: Outside Seattle (e.g., Tacoma, $1,200–$1,500).
• West Virginia: Charleston ($700–$1,000) is affordable statewide.
• Wisconsin: Outside Milwaukee (e.g., Madison, $900–$1,200).
• Wyoming: Cheyenne ($800–$1,100) offers value over Jackson.
• Washington, D.C.: Suburbs in Maryland/Virginia ($1,500–$1,800) vs. city center.

Conclusion