I’ve found my first apartment in the US on Facebook Market, it was a small company leasing several apartment buildings near a university. They asked for references from my foreign landlords, and proof of solvency. No credit history was asked. I paid 1300 for the first month and 600 as deposit for 350 sqft studio without laundry on-site. It took me 2 weeks of actively looking for housing. So here are my tips.

Focus on Community-Based Options

For new immigrants without a U.S. credit history, local and community-based options are the most reliable. Start with:

  • Telegram Channels: Many immigrant communities maintain active Telegram groups for housing. Search for your city or community name (e.g., “Seattle Rentals” or “Russian Community Housing”).
  • Facebook Groups: Look for housing-specific groups of the community from your country.
  • Word of Mouth: Ask within your local community networks or attend events where people might share leads. Personal connections often bypass credit checks.

Explore Subleasing and Shared Housing

Subleasing or renting a room is often easier than securing a full apartment lease. Platforms like Craigslist and Roomies are popular for finding shared housing opportunities. Subleasing allows you to take over someone else’s lease without needing a full credit check.

Affordable students housing near universities – relatively cheap and safe option for housing

Consider Extended-Stay and Short-Term Options

While searching for permanent housing, temporary solutions can bridge the gap:

  • Furnished Finder: Flexible housing options often used by traveling professionals.
  • Airbnb: Negotiate with hosts for long-term discounts.
  • Kopa: Designed for medium- to long-term stays.

Seek Independent Landlords

Many independent landlords are more flexible about credit history than property management companies. Search on platforms like:

  • Craigslist: Filter listings for independent landlords, but watch out for scams.
  • Facebook Marketplace: Often features rentals from individual landlords or short-term leases.

Be prepared to provide proof of income, references, and pay a larger deposit to secure these options.

Prepare for No-Credit Housing

Landlords might still consider you without a credit history if you can provide:

  • Proof of Employment: Offer recent pay stubs or an employment letter.
  • Bank Statements: Show savings or consistent deposits.
  • References: Personal or professional references from people from the US (worth more) or foreign references (worth less but still may be considered)
  • Guarantor/Co-Signer: If you have friends or family with a strong credit history, ask them to co-sign.

Final Tips

  • Start early—housing takes time to secure, especially without credit history.
  • Be cautious of scams—never send money before seeing a property in person.
  • Negotiate where possible—flexibility and clear communication can make a difference.