A Guide to Avoiding Rental Pitfalls in the United States
For many international students, renting off campus is their first time signing an English-language contract involving a relatively large amount of money and a long commitment period. When renting, students should not compare only monthly rent and photos. They also need to verify that the listing is real, understand the Lease terms, assess transportation and safety, and keep complete records of payments and communications.
The first step is to verify the listing. The FTC notes that common rental scams include stealing photos from real listings, posing as a landlord or agent, and requiring payment before a tenant has seen the property. A price that is clearly below the surrounding market, a landlord who says they are abroad and cannot meet, or a request to pay by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card are all high-risk warning signs.
Try to view the property in person. If you cannot be there in person, ask for a live video tour instead of accepting a prerecorded video. Check the property ownership, the management company name, online reviews, and complaint records. Do not assume someone has the right to rent out a property only because they can open the door.
The second step is to understand the Lease. Pay close attention to:
The start and end dates of the lease term;
Monthly rent, the security deposit, and all additional fees;
Who pays for water, electricity, gas, and internet;
Rules for renewal and early termination;
Whether subleasing or finding a replacement tenant is allowed;
Repair responsibilities;
Rules on pets, guests, and parking;
Late fees;
Notice rules for the landlord entering the unit;
Whether roommates have joint and several liability.
Some shared housing contracts provide that each tenant is responsible for the full rent. If a roommate does not pay, the landlord may seek payment from the other tenants. Do not rely only on an oral agreement with roommates. Understand the main Lease and the roommate agreement.
The third step is to calculate the "true monthly cost." Low rent may not include furniture, heating, parking, amenity fees, trash fees, or management fees. In recent years, the FTC has also focused on hidden fees and online payment issues faced by tenants.
The fourth step is to confirm the location. A place that looks safe during the day may not have convenient transportation at night. Check the surrounding area during both the day and evening, verify travel time to campus, supermarkets, and public transportation, and review information provided by the school's safety department.
The fifth step is to keep evidence when moving in. Take photos and videos of every room, wall, floor, piece of furniture, and appliance, record the date, and send the landlord written notice of any existing damage. Otherwise, you may be accused of causing damage when you move out.
The sixth step is to use traceable payment methods. Keep receipts for application fees, deposits, rent, and repair costs. Cash payments carry higher risk. Any contract change should be put in writing, rather than relying only on a promise by phone.
The seventh step is to understand the repair process. Problems with heat, leaks, electrical systems, pests, and similar issues should be reported promptly in writing. States and cities differ in their rules on landlord obligations, return of security deposits, and tenant remedies. If you encounter a serious problem, you may contact the school's Off-Campus Housing Office, a local tenant organization, or a lawyer. You should not stop paying rent on your own based on online posts.
The eighth step is to be wary of urgency. Scammers often say, "Ten other people are waiting, and if you do not pay today, it will be gone." A truly reliable landlord may also require a timely decision, but will not prevent a tenant from reviewing the contract, verifying identity, or viewing the property. The FTC clearly recommends seeing the inside and outside of the property before paying and avoiding payment methods that cannot be recovered.
The most important principles in renting are: verify first, then sign; read the contract first, then pay; and keep written records of all important matters. Attractive photos only show that the listing photographs well. They do not show that it is real, safe, or suitable for long-term living.