Can I rent an apartment in the US without a Social Security Number?

Yes. Landlords can accept your passport, visa, and ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of an SSN. Some landlords may require additional documentation like a larger deposit, prepaid rent, or a guarantor service. Services like Insurent or TheGuarantor can act as your guarantor for a fee (typically 60–85% of one month's rent).

How much money do I need to move into a US apartment?

Budget for first month's rent + security deposit (1–2 months) + application fees. In NYC, add a broker fee (12–15% of annual rent). For a $3,000/month Manhattan apartment: first month ($3,000) + deposit ($3,000) + broker fee ($5,400) = $11,400 upfront. In Miami or other cities without broker fees: first month + deposit = $4,000–$6,000.

What's the difference between a co-op and a condo in NYC?

Condos: you own the apartment unit; easier purchase process; more common for foreign buyers. Co-ops: you buy shares in a corporation that owns the building; co-op boards can reject buyers; often more affordable but with stricter rules and a lengthy approval process. As a foreign buyer, condos are much simpler.

Should I buy or rent as a new expat?

Rent for at least the first 1–2 years. You need time to understand neighborhoods, build US credit, and confirm your long-term plans. Buying makes sense if you have permanent residency (Green Card), plan to stay 5+ years, and have 20%+ down payment plus closing costs. Some cities (NYC, San Francisco) are better for renting; others (Miami, Austin) may favor buying sooner.

Are utilities included in US rent?

Rarely. Most US apartments require tenants to pay electricity, gas, water, and internet separately. Some older buildings (especially in NYC) include heat and hot water in rent. Always ask what's included before signing. Budget $150–$300/month for utilities depending on location, apartment size, and season (AC in summer and heating in winter drive costs up).

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🇺🇸 United States

Housing

The US rental market is competitive, fast-moving, and varies dramatically by city. Most expats rent for their first 1–2 years before considering buying.

$2,700–$4,000/mo

NYC 1-BR Center

Manhattan average

$2,200–$3,200/mo

Miami 1-BR Center

Brickell average

$1,737/mo

National Avg. 1-BR

2026 average

$420,000

Median Home Price

National, 2025

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🗽New York City 🌴Miami

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Overview

The US rental market is competitive, fast-moving, and varies dramatically by city. Most expats rent for their first 1–2 years before considering buying. Understanding credit checks, broker fees, lease terms, and the application process will save you time and thousands of dollars.

Key Takeaways

Typical lease: 12 months standard; some landlords offer flexible 6-month or month-to-month (at a premium)
No restrictions on foreign property ownership — non-residents can buy freely
WalkScore.com: essential tool — check walk score, transit score, and bike score for any address
Step 1: Prepare documents — passport, visa, employment offer letter, 3 months bank statements, pay stubs
Start corporate housing or Airbnb for the first 1–2 months while you learn the city and view apartments in person

Renting in the US

Most US expats start by renting, and the process can be surprisingly competitive — especially in NYC, San Francisco, and other hot markets. Landlords typically require proof of income (annual salary ≥ 40× monthly rent), a credit check, references, and first/last month's rent plus a security deposit. As a new arrival without US credit history, you may face additional requirements.

Typical lease: 12 months standard; some landlords offer flexible 6-month or month-to-month (at a premium)
Security deposit: typically 1–2 months rent; refundable at lease end minus damages
Application fees: $20–$100 per application for credit and background checks (non-refundable)
Income requirement: most landlords require annual income ≥ 40× monthly rent
No US credit? Offer to pay several months upfront or provide a guarantor; some landlords accept international credit references
Broker fees (NYC): 12–15% of annual rent — uniquely expensive; other cities rarely charge broker fees
Key platforms: Zillow, Apartments.com, StreetEasy (NYC), Redfin, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist
Corporate housing: furnished short-term apartments (1–6 months) available through companies like Furnished Finder or Zeus Living

Buying Property as a Foreigner

There are no federal restrictions on foreigners buying property in the United States — non-residents and visa holders can purchase residential and commercial real estate. However, financing can be more challenging without US credit history, and tax implications (especially FIRPTA) require careful planning.

No restrictions on foreign property ownership — non-residents can buy freely
Mortgage: most banks require 2+ years of US credit history; some offer foreign national mortgages at 25–30% down
Down payment: 20% standard for conventional mortgages; 3.5% for FHA loans (US residents only)
Closing costs: 2–5% of purchase price (title insurance, attorney fees, inspections, recording fees)
Property tax: 0.3–2.5% of assessed value annually (varies dramatically by state/county)
FIRPTA: Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act — 15% withholding on sale price for foreign sellers
Homeowner's insurance: $1,200–$3,000/year for a standard home; higher in hurricane/flood zones
HOA fees: $200–$800/month for condo buildings (common in Miami, NYC); covers building maintenance and amenities

Choosing the Right Neighborhood

US cities are vast and neighborhood selection dramatically impacts your quality of life, commute, and budget. Unlike European cities where most neighborhoods are walkable, American cities vary enormously in walkability, transit access, and character. Research thoroughly before signing a lease.

WalkScore.com: essential tool — check walk score, transit score, and bike score for any address
School districts: if you have children, school district quality varies dramatically — check GreatSchools.org
Safety: check local crime statistics at CrimeMapping.com or NeighborhoodScout.com
Commute: use Google Maps 'arrive by' feature during rush hour to see real commute times
NYC: neighborhoods are hyper-local — even a few blocks can change the vibe and price dramatically
Miami: car access is essential for most neighborhoods; Brickell and Downtown are the exceptions
Visit neighborhoods at different times of day before committing — weekend vibes differ from weekday

The Rental Process — Step by Step

The US rental application process is more formal than most countries. Having your documents ready before you start viewing will give you a significant advantage, especially in competitive markets like NYC where apartments are rented within hours of listing.

Step 1: Prepare documents — passport, visa, employment offer letter, 3 months bank statements, pay stubs
Step 2: Search on Zillow, Apartments.com, StreetEasy (NYC), or work with a real estate agent/broker
Step 3: Visit apartments — in NYC, bring your checkbook and be ready to apply on the spot
Step 4: Submit application — pay application fee ($20–$100); landlord runs credit and background check
Step 5: If approved, sign lease and pay security deposit + first month's rent (sometimes last month too)
Step 6: Set up utilities — electricity (ConEd in NYC, FPL in Miami), internet (Spectrum, Xfinity, Verizon Fios)
Step 7: Take photos of the apartment condition on move-in day — protects your security deposit

Housing Tips for New Expats

These practical tips will help you navigate the US housing market more effectively and avoid common pitfalls that cost new arrivals time and money.

Start corporate housing or Airbnb for the first 1–2 months while you learn the city and view apartments in person
Never wire money for an apartment you haven't seen in person — rental scams are common, especially on Craigslist
In NYC: avoid broker fees by searching 'no fee' apartments on StreetEasy or dealing directly with building management
Negotiate: offer a longer lease (18–24 months) or several months upfront for a rent reduction
Read your lease carefully — understand policies on subletting, pets, early termination, and rent increases
Renter's insurance: $15–$30/month — covers your belongings against theft, fire, and water damage; often required by landlords
Join local expat Facebook groups for housing leads and roommate matching

FAQs