Income and employment
Employment letter, signed offer letter, recent pay information or other verifiable lawful income.
NO U.S. CREDIT HISTORY
Renting in NYC without U.S. credit history.
New to the United States? A missing U.S. credit file does not automatically end your apartment search. We connect you with a licensed real estate agent who can focus on realistic options, help prepare your application and explain guarantor routes when needed.
International rentersStudents and professionals12+ month rentals
START WITH THE FULL PICTURE
No U.S. credit is different from poor credit.
Someone arriving from another country may have income, savings and a strong rental history but no record with the U.S. credit bureaus. Landlords and buildings set their own lawful screening criteria, so the right strategy depends on your complete profile.
Your agent can identify what each property requires before you apply, reducing wasted applications and helping you present the clearest available evidence of your ability to meet the lease.
BUILD YOUR APPLICATION
Documents that may help explain your financial profile
Funds and banking
Recent statements or other evidence of available funds when requested by the landlord.
Study and identity
University admission or enrollment information and government-issued identification.
Rental references
Previous landlord references or records of on-time rent payments when available.
Send sensitive documents securely. Use the first inquiry only to describe your situation. Do not attach passports, bank statements or tax documents until the assigned professional explains the appropriate submission process.
POSSIBLE ROUTES
If the building requires more support
There is no single solution accepted by every landlord. Depending on the property and your profile, your agent may help you explore:
- ✓ A qualified personal guarantor, if accepted
- ✓ An institutional guarantor service approved by that building
- ✓ A co-applicant or roommate whose profile is assessed with yours
- ✓ Buildings and landlords experienced with international applicants
- ✓ Additional lawful documentation that verifies income, funds or rental history
Approval is always determined by the landlord or building. MoveToNYC and the assigned agent cannot guarantee approval, but a focused search can avoid properties whose requirements clearly do not fit your situation.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Screening criteria must be applied fairly.
Housing providers may use lawful financial and credit qualifications, but those standards must be applied equally and cannot be based on protected characteristics.
National origin and immigration status
New York fair housing protections prohibit different treatment because of national origin, citizenship or immigration status. Read the New York Fair Housing Notice.
Consistent screening
Financial and credit qualifications must be applied consistently and without influence from race, national origin or other protected factors. See NYC tenant-selection guidance.
Credit and background check fee
Before signing a lease, a landlord’s credit or background check fee is generally limited to $20, with a copy of the report and invoice provided to the applicant. Read the Attorney General’s tenant guide.
A MORE EFFICIENT SEARCH
How your assigned agent helps
- 1
Review your profile
Discuss income, funds, timing, study or employment status and any available guarantor.
- 2
Set realistic criteria
Align rent, location, building type and application requirements before touring.
- 3
Target suitable options
Prioritize listings whose stated criteria have a realistic path for your profile.
- 4
Confirm requirements
Ask management what documentation and guarantor arrangements they will consider.
- 5
Prepare the application
Organize the requested material and keep communication clear during review.
- 6
Continue through signing
Review the lease and disclosed costs, coordinate management and plan the key handover.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Applications without U.S. credit
Does every NYC landlord require U.S. credit?
Requirements vary. Many landlords use credit as part of screening, while the documentation or alternatives they consider depend on the property and applicant.
Can an international credit report replace U.S. credit?
Some landlords may review additional financial or rental information, but acceptance of any international report varies. Confirm before paying an application fee.
Do I always need a guarantor?
No. It depends on the building and your overall profile. When required, the landlord may have specific standards for personal or institutional guarantors.
Can a student rent without employment income?
Students may have options based on funds, guarantors or other documentation accepted by the landlord. Requirements vary significantly.
Should I apply to several apartments at once?
Before paying or submitting sensitive documents, understand each apartment’s availability, requirements, fees and refund rules. A targeted search can reduce unnecessary applications.
Tell us what you need in New York.
We will respond as soon as possible and explain the best next step for your search.
This page provides general information and is not legal, financial or credit advice. Landlords and buildings determine their own lawful screening requirements, and approval is not guaranteed. The licensed real estate agent and brokerage responsible for brokerage services will be identified before those services begin.