# Renting an apartment with no US credit history > 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. - URL: https://explained.page/renting-with-no-credit - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=renting-with-no-credit ## Step by step 1. **Want to rent but have no US credit history?** Many landlords check credit, but there are other ways to show you’ll pay. Here’s how. 2. **Show proof you can pay.** Bring a job offer or pay stubs, bank statements, and letters from past landlords, even from another country. 3. **Ask about a co-signer.** A co-signer with good credit promises to pay if you can’t. Some companies act as guarantors for a fee. 4. **Offer a larger deposit, within the law.** Some landlords accept a bigger deposit instead of credit. Many states limit how much they can ask, so check. 5. **Try smaller landlords.** Individual owners and small buildings are often more flexible than big companies. Meet in person and explain your situation. 6. **Know your fair housing rights.** It’s illegal to refuse to rent to you because of your national origin, race, religion or family status. You can report it to HUD. 7. **Beware of scams aimed at newcomers.** Never send money before seeing the place and confirming the owner. Ask about application fees before paying. ## 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 ## 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. ## 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. Source page: https://explained.page/renting-with-no-credit/questions/can-i-rent-with-an-itin-instead-of-a-social-security-number ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/renting-with-no-credit/questions/can-a-landlord-ask-about-my-immigration-status ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/renting-with-no-credit/questions/can-i-rent-an-apartment-with-no-credit-history ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/renting-with-no-credit/questions/what-is-a-rental-guarantor-company ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/renting-with-no-credit/questions/how-much-can-a-landlord-ask-for-a-deposit ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/renting-with-no-credit/questions/can-a-landlord-refuse-me-because-im-an-immigrant ### What is a tenant screening report? A report landlords use that may include credit, rental history and court records. You can ask for a copy and dispute errors. Source page: https://explained.page/renting-with-no-credit/questions/what-is-a-tenant-screening-report ### How do I avoid rental scams? See the place in person, confirm the owner, never wire money or pay with gift cards, and be wary of prices far below market. Source page: https://explained.page/renting-with-no-credit/questions/how-do-i-avoid-rental-scams ## Official sources - [HUD: fair housing rights](https://www.hud.gov/) - [CFPB: renting and tenant screening](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/) - [FTC consumer advice: rental scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "HUD approved housing counselor near me" - "[your state] security deposit limit" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.