Q: Can foreign nationals or international students rent in New York City? What extra documents are required?
Posted by u/RentReadyNY • 90 minutes ago
I’m arriving on an F‑1 visa this August and need housing near campus. Friends say landlords expect extra paperwork if you’re not a U.S. citizen.
Which forms should I gather before apartment tours, and how do I prove income if I don’t have a U.S. job yet?
Top Answer by Estay
Estay Housing Consultant | Specialized in helping 1,200+ international renters since 2019
Yes—foreign nationals can absolutely rent in NYC; you just need a slightly thicker document packet. Follow this roadmap:
Step 1 – Core Identification
Supply your passport photo page plus the photo ID page from any secondary document (driver’s license or national ID). Make sure scans are color, legible, and show signature lines.
Step 2 – Proof of U.S. Status
Upload your visa stamp and latest I‑94 arrival record. Students should include their SEVIS number so management can verify school enrollment if needed.
Step 3 – Academic or Research Enrollment
Most landlords accept a university enrollment letter, but some demand the original I‑20 or DS‑2019 to confirm funding lines. Request a digital copy from your international office; wet signatures are no longer required post‑COVID.
Step 4 – Financial Capacity & Prepaid Rent
Without U.S. pay stubs, show recent bank statements (domestic or foreign) reflecting at least six months’ rent. Prepaid rent up to 12 months is common for new arrivals; wire receipts or escrow letters work as proof.
Step 5 – Guarantor or Alternative Assurance
Secure a U.S. guarantor or use an institutional guarantor like TheGuarantors or Insurent if you lack credit history. Expect a fee of 60‑90 % of one month’s rent. Some luxury buildings now accept international guarantors with notarized income letters.
Step 6 – Lease Signing & Compliance
Review clauses on subletting, early termination, and visa status. Management may require you to notify them if your visa changes; keep a digital copy of your lease for future renewals or status updates.
✨ Quick Summary
• Bring passport, visa, I‑94, and enrollment proof.
• Show liquid funds or prepay several months.
• Choose a U.S. guarantor service if you lack credit.
• Label PDFs clearly and bundle files under 15 MB.
• Start paperwork two weeks before touring to beat same‑day competition.
Follow these steps and you’ll sign a lease faster than your classmates line up for dollar pizza.
Bonus Tip: Use Estay’s encrypted upload portal—management sees docs instantly, and you avoid printing costs.
Pro Tip: Ask each building if student renters qualify for waived application fees; many do under NYC Local Law 33.
Updated weekly • Reflects 2025 international renter guidelines