Settling In· United States
Renting in the USA Without Credit History
Renting in the USA without credit history is possible. See how deposits, guarantors and prepaid rent work, your fair housing rights, and how to avoid scams.
Key takeaways
- No US credit score isn't the same as bad credit. Offer proof of income, a larger deposit or a guarantor instead.
- Security deposit limits and return rules depend on your state, so check with your state attorney general or tenant rights agency.
- The Fair Housing Act bars landlords from refusing to rent or setting different terms because of your national origin.
- Never pay a deposit or prepay rent before you've seen the place and verified the landlord.
You've found an apartment you like and filled in the application. Then the landlord asks for your credit score, and you don't have one because you just arrived. It's one of the most common problems newcomers face, and it can be solved.
This guide explains renting in the USA without credit history: what landlords check, how to show you're a safe tenant, what your rights are, and how to avoid rental scams. It's general information as of September 2026, and local laws vary.
Why US landlords ask for credit history
Landlords want to know you'll pay rent on time. Many use tenant screening, which may include a credit report, past rental history and a background check.
A credit report is a record of how you've borrowed and repaid money in the US. Most newcomers don't have one yet, because history from other countries usually doesn't carry over.
No score isn't the same as a bad score. It just means the landlord needs other evidence that you can pay.
How to rent in the USA without credit history
Show proof of income
Offer a job offer letter, employment contract, recent pay slips or bank statements. A letter from your employer confirming your salary and start date is often the strongest document you have.
Offer a larger security deposit
A security deposit is money the landlord holds in case of unpaid rent or damage. You should get it back, minus any lawful deductions, when you move out. Some landlords accept a bigger deposit in place of a credit check.
Each state sets its own rules on deposit amounts and how fast they must be returned. Before you pay, check your state attorney general's website or tenant rights agency.
Use a guarantor
A guarantor, sometimes called a co-signer, signs the lease and agrees to pay if you don't. Landlords usually want someone with solid income and good US credit.
If you don't know anyone who can do that, some companies act as guarantors for a fee. Read the contract carefully. Ask whether the fee is refundable, and whether you'd owe the company money if it ever pays your landlord.
Prepay rent
Some landlords accept several months of rent upfront. Do this only with a verified landlord and a signed lease, pay in a traceable way, and get a receipt. Some local laws limit advance payments, so check before you agree.
Other ways to strengthen your application
- A reference from a previous landlord, with contact details
- A short cover letter explaining your move and your job
- Proof of savings
- A credit report from your home country, translated if needed, in case the landlord will consider it
Comparing your options
| Option | How it works | Upside | Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larger deposit | You pay more upfront | Returned if you meet the lease terms | Ties up cash; state rules vary |
| Personal guarantor | Someone backs your lease | No extra fee | They take on real risk for you |
| Guarantor service | A company backs your lease for a fee | No US contact needed | Fee, and you may owe them later |
| Prepaid rent | You pay months in advance | Reassures the landlord | Higher scam risk; local limits |
| Room in a shared home | You join an existing household | Fewer checks, lower upfront cost | Less privacy; confirm it's allowed |
What landlords can and can't ask
Landlords can generally screen every applicant the same way. That often means asking for ID, proof of income, references and permission to run a credit or background check.
What they can't do is discriminate. HUD says the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability, in nearly all housing. HUD's fair housing guide lists illegal acts that include refusing to rent, setting different terms or conditions, and falsely saying a unit isn't available.
In practice, a landlord shouldn't turn you away, show you fewer units, or give you worse lease terms because of your country, accent or ancestry. Rules on asking about immigration status vary by state and city. If questions feel aimed at you personally, ask a local fair housing organization or legal aid office.
If you think you were treated unfairly, write down what happened, when, and who you spoke to. You can report it to HUD online, by phone or by mail. HUD's guide says you have one year after the discrimination occurred or ended to file, but you should file as soon as possible.
How to spot rental scams
The FTC describes two main tricks. Scammers copy real listings and swap in their own contact details, or they post fake listings for places that aren't for rent.
Watch for these FTC warning signs:
- A rent far below similar places nearby
- Pressure to decide and pay quickly
- An owner who is out of the country and can't show the unit
- Requests to pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency
The FTC suggests searching the owner's or company's name with words like "complaint" or "scam," and visiting the place before you pay anything. You can report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Renting your first apartment, step by step
- Set your budget for the deposit, first month's rent and any application fees.
- Gather documents: passport, visa or status papers, job letter, bank statements and references.
- Search and view in person, or send someone you trust.
- Verify the landlord or property manager before paying anything.
- Ask about screening rules before you pay an application fee, including options for people without US credit.
- Offer your alternative: a larger deposit, a guarantor or proof of savings.
- Read the whole lease, including deposit return terms and any renters insurance requirement.
- Pay in a traceable way and keep every receipt.
- Take dated photos of the unit when you move in.
A hypothetical renter
Here's a made-up example. Mateo arrives on a work visa and applies for two apartments. The first turns him down because he has no credit file. The second says yes if he pays a larger deposit or finds a guarantor.
He has no US contacts, so he compares a refundable deposit with a guarantor service's fee. He picks the deposit, checks his state's deposit rules, and gets the lease terms in writing before paying.
Common mistakes when renting without credit
- Paying before viewing the apartment or verifying the landlord
- Paying application fees without asking about credit requirements first
- Signing a guarantor contract without reading who owes what
- Skipping move-in photos, which can help you get your deposit back
- Not knowing your state's deposit rules
- Staying silent when you think you've faced discrimination
What to do next
Gather your proof of income and references now, and look up your state's security deposit rules. While you rent, start building credit so your next lease is easier. Our guide to loans for immigrants without credit history explains how, and our first-months budget for moving to the USA helps you plan the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent an apartment in the US with no credit history?
Yes, many newcomers do. Landlords may accept proof of income, a larger security deposit, a guarantor or rent paid in advance instead of a credit score.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I'm an immigrant?
The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination because of national origin, and HUD lists refusing to rent and setting different terms among illegal acts. Some state and local laws add more protections.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
It depends on your state. Some states set limits and deadlines for returning deposits, so check with your state attorney general or tenant rights agency.
What is a guarantor service?
It's a company that agrees to cover your rent if you don't pay, in exchange for a fee. Read the contract to see whether the fee is refundable and whether you'd owe the company money later.
How do I report housing discrimination?
You can file a complaint with HUD online, by phone or by mail. HUD's fair housing guide says you have one year after the discrimination occurred or ended, but you should file as soon as possible.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal, immigration or financial advice. Rules and fees change, so check the official sources before you act. We are not affiliated with any government agency, and we never charge for applications. Read our disclaimer and editorial policy.