QUICK LINKS: USA Guide - USA Discussion Forum - USA Property Listings

TIP: Want to use the forums? Register your account here!

Click here to download this entire guide as an E-book (PDF file) for printing, emailing, reading offline etc. for only £3.95 (100+ pages, multiple currencies accepted)

If you have a company relocation package, try to get your business to help you find housing in the USA. They may also know people who are willing to help those who do not speak English as their first language and who do not have a history in the state they are moving to. If you are a student, then you should make use of your exchange program to help you.

There are some standard requirements to rent a house or duplex and this also applies to some apartments. You will usually need funds in the amount of one month's rent up front and another month's rent to put down as a deposit. The deposit is intended to assure the owner that you intend to treat the property with respect and to provide them with funds if you suddenly leave the property or cause significant damage. Assuming that you look after the property, you will normally get a large portion of the deposit returned to you when you move out. It is common for a small portion of it to be put towards having the place deep-cleaned, even if you have already cleaned it thoroughly in preparation for your departure. The majority of property owners and managers will also run a background and credit check, for which there will usually be a minimal, non-refundable application or processing fee charged. As a newcomer to the US, without a credit history, you may be asked to pay more rent up-front.

It is customary to sign a 6/7 or 12 month lease agreement. Often, but not always, you will be asked for references. The amount of time it takes to have your lease approved can vary from immediately to a week or two while someone checks your references. You should be aware that some housing estates and apartment complexes have more in-depth and complex rules than do individually-rented houses and duplexes and “college student off-campus housing” locations. If possible, bring English translations of references from mortgage companies or from people you have rented from previously.

Rental prices can vary drastically from one area of the US to another. For example, a two-bedroom apartment in New York City might cost up to $2,000 a month, whereas a comparable apartment in “middle America” could cost hundreds less – and sometimes even half as much.

There are thousands of rental agencies located throughout the US Some of these agencies are nationwide “chains,” while others are individually-run businesses. Century 21 (www.century21.com) and RE/MAX (www.remax.com) are a couple of the better-known, nationwide agencies. For a list of agencies in your area, consult your local Yellow Pages. There are also a number of online databases where you can search for homes or apartments for rent, including www.realtor.com and www.us-realestatedirectory.com. Sites like www.roommates.com, www.easyroommate.com, and www.craigslist.org can help you find a roommate if you are looking to share rental costs with someone.

--

Expat Focus would like to acknowledge the kind help given by Kirstie Wilson of British Business Connection in compiling this guide.

Got something to add to this section? Spotted something which should be changed? Please let us know!

Click here to return to the contents page for "United States of America (USA) - an expatriate guide."