For BDV's general info on Housing, check out this article.
Our best advice when finding housing is to have savings available to help during your commitment to your sponsor.
Securing Your Housing
Client Services is here to provide guidance and support, but ultimately, the decision about where you want to live is yours, and you'll be responsible for covering the full cost of your housing.
Typically, when you're signing a lease in the United States, there are several costs you need to be aware of. These may include:
· First Month's Rent: You usually need to pay rent for the first month upfront.
· Last Month's Rent: Some landlords also ask for the last month's rent at the beginning of your lease.
· Security Deposit: This is like a safety net for the landlord in case you damage the property or don't pay rent. It's often equal to one- or two-months’ rent.
· Electricity Deposit: You might need to put down a deposit for electricity, especially if it's not included in your rent.
· Cable/Wi-Fi Deposit: If you want cable TV or internet, you may have to pay a deposit for these services.
· Application Fee: Some landlords charge a non-refundable application fee when you apply for a rental.
· Other Fees: Your landlord might have other fees or charges, so it's essential to read all the documents they give you carefully.
This means that if your apartment costs $1,000 per month, your initial payment may be over $3,000 when you include all these costs.
We highly recommend that you read all the documents your landlord or leasing agent provides carefully. If you have any questions about the fees or anything else, don't hesitate to ask your Client Services Specialist.
Consular Clients
If you don't have friends or family to stay with upon arrival to the US, you might need to stay in a hotel, an extended stay unit, or in an Airbnb or a similar place. Depending on where you stay, it could cost between $50 and $200 per night. Be sure to budget for this possibility accordingly.
Understanding Rental Agreements
Lease Terms: A lease is a legal contract between a tenant and a landlord that outlines the terms and conditions of renting a property. There are two main types:
Month-to-Month Lease: You pay rent every month, and you can leave or be asked to leave with a month's notice.
Fixed-Term Lease: You agree to stay for a specific time, like six months or a year, and you have to follow the rules during that time.
Security Deposits: A security deposit is like a small pile of money you give to the person who owns the place before you move in. They keep it safe in case you don't pay rent or damage the place. They can only use it for certain things, and they must give it back to you when you leave.
Renters' Insurance: Renters' insurance is like a shield for your stuff. If something bad happens, like a fire or a thief, this insurance helps you get money to replace your things. It's a good idea to have it.
Questions to ask before renting a place:
Where do you want to live (even the area of the city affects rental rates)?
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?
What kind of appliances do you need? (ie - laundry machine)
Is it already furnished, or will you need to provide furniture?
Do you need a place that allows pets?
Do you need to research local schools before choosing an apartment?
Essential Tips before renting a place:
Know how much money you are able to pay
Compare costs of housing vs. costs of gas prices (you may save money by living closer to your worksite and paying for less gas, but check rent prices first)
Put your roommate on the lease (partner or roommate)
Know the terms (rules and rights) of your lease
Know what changes you are allowed to make (break the lease early, etc.)
These are clauses that a landlord should include in a lease agreement:
Security Deposits
Specific Payment Requirements
Late Rent Fees
Rent Increases
Notice of Entry
Rental Agreement Disclosures
Gas and Electricity Disclosure
Recreational
For other general questions about Housing, see this article.
For housing services that match you with a furnished place to live (short-term or long-term), check out PadSplit or ACRS/FSI.
Apartment managers may check your credit when you are applying for housing.
For questions about credit scores, see this article.
For questions about finding a Roommate, see this article.