Transcript

Step to finding an apartment.

Hello. My name is Amy.

I'll be providing you a step by step guide to help you navigate the apartment rental process in the United States. In this presentation, we are going to discuss researching your destination, determining your budget, define your needs and preferences, researching apartments, research and use reputable rental platforms, contacting landlords or property managers, lease agreements, moving in, application process, background check and credit history, finding furniture, knowing your rights, and building relationships.

Research your destination - step one.

Research the area where you will be working or where you have accepted a job offer. Consider factors like cost of living, safety, commute from work, school.

Determine your budget - step two.

Have a budget in mind before selecting an apartment.

Calculate your monthly budget.

Consider rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries. It is recommended to aim to spend no more than thirty percent of your income on rent.

Define your needs and preferences - step three.

It is important to outline your apartment requirements. Many companies only allow two per bedroom. So a family of six might have to get a bedroom of three instead.

Location, proximity to work or school, and any specific amenities you desire. Parking, if purchasing a vehicle.

Researching apartments - step four.

There are several helpful websites you can use to search for an apartment.

These websites allow you to enter specific criteria to help you find amenities that you prefer. Such criteria include number of bedrooms, bathrooms, rental costs, amenities, including pet friendly, etc. These sites typically contain apartment communities that are corporate owned. Apartmentguide.com, apartments.com, apartment finder, and or Google.

There are other apartment websites that can help find options that contain less traditional apartment complexes, such as a full rental home, split home duplex, or an apartment style building.

Trulia Zillow, Hotpads. Another great resource is the local chamber of commerce or the local newspaper. They sometimes have a list of local landlords in town.

Some of the smaller towns post the available apartments on Facebook groups. Please check to see if your town has a local Facebook group you can join before your arrival. This is a great tool to use before arrival to see some different options in the area.

PassportUSA travel and housing team will help provide you with a list of apartments to help assist you with beginning your search.

Research and use reputable rental platforms - step five.

Use reputable rental listing platforms or work with established real estate agents. Scammers often create fake listings on less reputable websites or social media platforms. Stick to well known websites and apps like Zillow, Trulia, or real estate agencies.

When contacting a landlord or property manager, do a quick online search of their name and property address to check for any reported scams or red flags from their renters.

Contacting landlords or property managers - step six.

Once you find an apartment or rental property that you are interested in, you can call or email them directly. There are a few important questions that you should ask them.

A. Is a Social Security number required?

B. Do you require a credit score?

Let them know that you are new to the US and you don't have credit. Health Carousel can provide you with proof of employment, and this is usually acceptable. If you have family living in the US, some landlords may allow them to co-sign for an apartment in lieu of a credit score.

Please note Health Carousel is unable to be a cosigner for the application. As a reminder, you are responsible for signing the lease and paying each month.

C. What is included in the rent?

Some apartments may include certain utilities in your monthly rent.

Such utilities may include electricity, the internet, and/or cable.

D. How much money is required up front?

Security deposit is generally a month's rent or possibly higher for renters with no credit history.

Some apartments may require the first and last month's rent, as well as, a security deposit before move in. While others may require the first month's rent and the security deposit.

E. What are the lease terms?

A typical lease length in the United States is twelve months. Lease lengths may range from month-to-month to sixteen months.

F. Do you offer any virtual tours?

Some apartment complexes have started offering virtual tours for their properties. Please reach out to the apartment to see if they offer a virtual tour.

G. Please ask the apartment before applying if they offer a hospital or facility discount.

Please note, we are unable to be a cosigner for the application. As a reminder, you are responsible for signing the lease and paying each month.

Lease agreement - step seven.

Review the lease carefully before signing. Understand the terms, rent amount, security deposit, and any additional fees. Common payment methods could be online payment portal, check, or money order.

Moving in - step eight.

It is encouraged to do a move in inspection with the landlord. Document any existing damage to avoid disputes later.

Contact utility providers for electricity, water, wifi to ensure they are set up in your name.

Many landlords require renters insurance. It is affordable and can provide peace of mind.

Application process, background check and credit history - step nine.

Submit an application form to the landlord.

Please note the Health Carousel professional must be the one to fill out the application. Health Carousel is not able to fill out the application for you.

Provide proof of income, identification, and rental history.

Be prepared to pay application fees.

Application fees can range from $50 to $150 per person over the age of eighteen living in the home per application.

Landlords may conduct a background check and credit check.

Finding furniture - step ten.

Amazon IKEA, Wayfair, Walmart, etc, are all great places to look when finding furniture to furnish your home. Facebook marketplace is a great option if you are looking for less expensive furniture.

Knowing your rights - step eleven.

Familiarize yourself with tenant rights in the state you will be moving in.

Understand eviction laws and dispute resolution procedures.

Building relationships - step twelve.

Be a good tenant by paying rent on time and respecting the property. Communicate with your landlord for any maintenance issues.

In conclusion and closing.

Finding a secure apartment in the US is achievable with careful planning.

The travel and housing team is available to answer any questions you may have throughout the process. I hope this presentation will be helpful to you while searching for apartments. Best of luck to you, and have a great day.