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Renting an apartment with no US credit history

How to rent without US credit: proof of income, references, co-signers, larger deposits, smaller landlords, fair housing rights and scams.

Quick answer

Many landlords check credit, but you can show you’ll pay in other ways. Bring a job offer or pay stubs, bank statements and letters from past landlords, even from abroad. Ask about a co-signer or guarantor, or offer a larger deposit within your state’s limits. Smaller landlords are often more flexible. It’s illegal to refuse you because of national origin. Never send money before seeing the place and confirming the owner.

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Your checklist

  • Bring proof of income and savings
  • Bring landlord references
  • Ask about a co-signer
  • Offer a larger deposit, within the law
  • Try smaller landlords
  • Know fair housing rights; avoid scams

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Why it’s harder

Many landlords check credit reports. Newcomers often have no US credit history yet, which isn’t the same as bad credit.

Show you can pay

  • A job offer letter or recent pay stubs.
  • Bank statements showing savings.
  • Letters from past landlords, even from another country, and personal references.
  • An ITIN or SSN if you have one; some landlords accept other ID.

Other options

  • Co-signer: someone with good credit who promises to pay if you don’t. Some companies act as guarantors for a fee.
  • Larger deposit: some landlords accept more deposit instead of credit. Many states cap deposits.
  • Prepaying rent: some landlords accept it; some states limit it.
  • Smaller landlords are often more flexible than large management companies.

Your rights

The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to refuse to rent because of national origin, race, color, religion, sex, disability or family status. Report discrimination to HUD.

Avoid scams

Never wire money or pay a deposit before seeing the place and confirming the owner. Ask about application fees up front.

Start building credit

A secured card or credit-builder loan helps for your next rental.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • HUD approved housing counselor near me
  • [your state] security deposit limit

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

Can I rent with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number?

Some landlords accept an ITIN or other documents. Ask before applying. More ›

Can a landlord ask about my immigration status?

Rules vary by state and city. Some places limit these questions. Refusing to rent because of national origin is illegal everywhere. More ›

Can I rent an apartment with no credit history?

Yes. Offer proof of income and savings, landlord references, a co-signer or guarantor, or a larger deposit where allowed. More ›

What is a rental guarantor company?

A company that agrees to pay the landlord if you don’t, for a fee. It can help newcomers without US credit. More ›

How much can a landlord ask for a deposit?

It depends on your state. Many states cap deposits, often at one or two months’ rent. More ›

Can a landlord refuse me because I’m an immigrant?

Refusing to rent because of national origin is illegal under the Fair Housing Act. Report it to HUD. More ›

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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.