International & Visa Holder Guide 2026
Renting in the US as an International Renter
No US credit history. Foreign income. Here’s the complete guide to getting approved for a US apartment on a visa or as a new arrival. A thin credit file is noted, not penalized.
Get Verified: Passport AcceptedPassport-based KYC · SSN never shared with landlords · Bank-linked income analysis
The obstacles
Obstacles and how to overcome them
Every international renter faces these. Here’s what works.
No US credit history
Most landlords use credit scores to assess financial reliability. International renters who have not borrowed money in the US have no score: not a bad score, just no record.
Settl solution: Settl assesses identity verification and bank-linked income. Not credit history alone. You can receive Settl Verification based on your verified identity and banking behavior, even without a US credit file.
No Social Security Number (SSN)
Traditional screening requires an SSN for identity verification and credit checks. Visa holders and recent immigrants may only have an ITIN or passport.
Settl solution: Settl uses KYC-grade identity verification that works with passports and government-issued IDs. Not just SSNs. International IDs are accepted.
Foreign or non-US income sources
Income received from overseas employers or in foreign currency is difficult for landlords to verify using traditional methods.
Settl solution: Settl's bank-linked income verification captures deposits into your US bank account regardless of origin. Regular foreign income transfers that land in a US account are analyzed as verifiable income.
Visa status concerns
Some landlords are reluctant to rent to visa holders due to concerns about lease duration and future tenancy. This is legal in most states but not a universal policy.
Settl solution: Target landlords accustomed to international renters (university towns, metro areas with large immigrant communities). A Settl verified profile demonstrates financial reliability regardless of visa type.
What to bring
Documents for international renters
Rank-ordered by what landlords trust most.
Passport (primary ID)
Settl accepts passports for identity verification. SSN not required
Visa documentation
Current visa stamp, I-94 arrival record, and approval notice (I-797 for work visas)
ITIN letter (if applicable)
Issued by the IRS. Accepted by many landlords as alternative to SSN
US bank account statements (3+ months)
The most important document. Shows consistent deposits in a verifiable US account
Employment offer letter or contract
For new arrivals before first paycheck. Proves future income from a US employer
Employer HR contact
An HR letter confirming your role, salary, and start date carries significant weight when you do not yet have US pay stubs
Settl verified profile
Covers identity (passport-based) + bank-linked income in one shareable report
Settl into your new home.
International renter FAQ
Can I rent an apartment in the US without a Social Security Number?
Yes. While some landlords require an SSN for credit checks, many accept passports, ITINs, or alternative forms of ID. Settl's verification process works with government-issued IDs including passports. An SSN is not required.
Can I rent with an F-1 student visa?
Yes. F-1 visa holders rent apartments all across the US. The main challenges are credit history (usually none) and income documentation (student stipends, assistantships, or financial aid). A Settl profile built on verified bank history is particularly effective for F-1 renters.
How do I prove income if I am paid from a foreign employer?
If your foreign employer deposits your salary into a US bank account, Settl can analyze those deposits as income. If you receive funds in a foreign account and transfer to the US, the same applies. The key is having a US account with consistent deposits showing for 3+ months.
Will a landlord discriminate against me because of my visa status?
Federal Fair Housing law prohibits discrimination based on national origin. However, landlords may legally consider whether a tenant can fulfill a full lease term. Demonstrating financial stability through verification and having a US guarantor or co-signer can address this concern directly.
What if I'm a new arrival with no US banking history yet?
Open a US bank account immediately upon arrival (many banks now offer accounts without SSN). For your first rental, you may need a larger security deposit, a co-signer, or targeting flexible landlords. As soon as you have 3 months of US banking history, Settl verification becomes available to you.
Who Settl is for
Built for every kind of renter
Whether you're relocating, self-employed, or applying for the first time. Settl gives you a verified profile that speaks for itself.
“No rental history, no co-signer. Settl lets you show exactly what you earn and who you are. So landlords can make a real decision, not a guess.”
First-time renter
New York, NY
“Applying from another city means landlords can't meet you. Settl Verified Passport with verified income gives them the confidence to approve you before you arrive.”
Relocating professional
Remote applicant
“Pay stubs don't tell the whole story for 1099 workers. Bank verification shows your real cash flow. Often stronger than a salary looks on paper.”
Freelancer or self-employed
Variable income
“One Settl Verified Passport, valid for 30 days at any property, shareable with any landlord. Apply to as many units as you want without repeating the paperwork.”
Applying to multiple units
Competitive markets
Early users. We'd love to share your story. Tell us how it went →
Settl into your new home.
Your passport is your identity. Your bank is your income proof.
Settl verifies international renters using passport-based KYC and US bank account analysis. Soft pull credit check included. A thin file is noted, not penalized. SSN never shared with landlords.
Start VerificationSoft pull only. Valid 30 days at any property.