How to Rent in a New State: Everything You Need to Know
The short answer
Moving to a different state for work, lifestyle, or affordability involves specific challenges. Here is how to navigate renting in a new state you may never have visited.
How to Rent in a New State
Moving to a new state — whether for a job, lower costs, or a lifestyle change — is one of the most logistically complex versions of renting. Here is how to approach it methodically.
Research the New State's Rental Laws
Every state has different landlord-tenant law. Before you sign anything, understand:
- Security deposit limits and return rules
- Landlord entry notice requirements
- Habitability standards
- Eviction protections
- Any local ordinances (city laws often exceed state minimums)
Resources:
- Nolo.com state landlord-tenant law guides — clear, state-by-state
- Your new state's attorney general website — often has tenant rights guides
- Local tenant rights organizations — searchable at tenantunion.org or your new city name + "tenant rights"
Research the Specific Market Before You Search
Do not approach a new city the same way you would a familiar one. Before searching:
- Understand the neighborhood landscape. Most cities have neighborhoods that look similar in listing photos but have very different character.
- Understand the commute. Look up your employer's address and research commute routes from target neighborhoods.
- Understand the pricing norms. What is included? Is parking expected to be added? Are utilities typical to be included?
- Check seasonal patterns. Some markets have specific lease-start cycles (Boston's September 1st) or seasonal demand peaks.
Finding Housing Before Moving
If you need to secure housing before visiting:
Video tour: Ask every landlord for a live FaceTime or Zoom walkthrough. If they refuse, that is a red flag.
Use a local agent: In tight markets, a local buyer's agent who handles rentals (or a rental-focused agent) can tour on your behalf and give you a realistic assessment.
Furnished short-term first: Book a furnished month-to-month rental for 30-60 days after arrival. Use that time to explore neighborhoods in person before committing to a 12-month lease.
Trusted local contact: If you know anyone in the city, ask them to tour on your behalf.
Watch Out for Remote Rental Scams
Relocating renters are a primary target for rental scams because:
- You cannot easily verify the property in person
- Urgency pressure ("someone else is also interested") is harder to push back on from 2,000 miles away
- You may not be familiar with local market prices
Rules: Never wire money. Never pay before seeing the property in person (or via video with the actual landlord). Verify ownership through county property records.
Corporate Relocation Resources
If moving for a job:
- Ask your employer's HR about relocation packages — many companies provide housing stipends, temporary housing, or connect you with corporate housing services
- Corporate housing providers (Blueground, Furnished Finder, Domio) offer furnished short-term options that are typically pre-screened
- Employee networks: Your new employer's internal Slack or messaging platform often has housing advice channels
Updating Your Documentation After Moving
After you have signed a lease in a new state:
- [ ] Update your driver's license (required within 30-90 days in most states)
- [ ] Update vehicle registration and insurance
- [ ] Register to vote
- [ ] Update employer tax withholdings for the new state
- [ ] Update health insurance if moving out of plan network area
How Settl Helps With Out-of-State Applications
Landlords are often more cautious about out-of-state applicants — they cannot meet you in person and the screening feels more abstract. A Settl Verified Passport gives any landlord in any state verified income, identity, and financial health in a standardized format.
Arriving with a Settl Verified Passport tells a landlord across the country: "I have been pre-verified. Here is everything you need."
Get your Settl Verified Passport — $99 at settlhome.com/apply.
Settl Team
Settl Editorial
Settl helps renters stand out in competitive markets through verified identity, income, and rental verifications. Trusted by landlords across the US.
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