There are many things to consider and to be ready for when it comes to renting in the U.S. for the first time. Here are some helpful resources to make sure you are prepared to successfully secure housing and to be the ideal tenant!

UO Off-Campus Housing Guide

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Landlords look for verifiable rental history from a third-party landlord, proof of good credit, and documented monthly income sufficient to pay the rent and living expenses. Most refuse to rent to anyone who has not viewed the inside of a rental in person. International students usually will not have verifiable rental or credit history in the U.S. You must show a landlord that you are a good tenant and capable to pay the rent on time. 

Ways to demonstrate this: 

• Open a bank account after arrival and place a substantial amount of money in it to demonstrate proof of funds. (Some ways to bring money into the country are through PayPal, international money order, or wire transfer).
• Provide a copy of your admission to the UO and full UO funding (GE, scholarship).
• Provide a copy of your passport.
• Provide a copy of your J-1 or F-1 visa. Most landlords do not know the significance of this visa. Inform them that without proof of adequate funds to cover living and education expenses while living in the U.S., a student would not be granted a visa by a U.S. Embassy.
• If a landlord or property management company is asking you to provide a social security number or co-signer on a rental application, download and give them this Rental Support Letter to explain why these requirements create a barrier to renting in Eugene.
• Offer to pay the maximum deposit allowable by law (amount equal to two months rent for an unfurnished rental or three months' rent for a furnished rental).
• Provide an “Income Certificate” or “Certification of Deposit Balance” from your country.
• Get a parent or guardian to be a co-signer on the lease.
• Show evidence of credit card accounts via Zoom with the landlord or manager before your arrival.
• UO International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) provides a Rental Support Letter to new international students applying for off-campus housing in the Eugene/Springfield area as a supplemental letter of advocacy and support.

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It's important to understand that a lease is a legally enforceable agreement, and you could find yourself in a predicament later if you fail to abide by the terms. Before you sign, take the time to read and understand the entire document. If there is anything you don’t understand, ask about it! 

Ask Questions

Application 

• Are you required to submit an application?
• Is there a fee to apply? Is the fee refundable?
• What are the income requirements?
• Do you need a reference?
• Do you require cosigners? 

Rent 

• What is the cost of the rent?
• When is the monthly due date? Is there a grace period?
• Is there a penalty for late rent?
• Are the first and last payments pro-rated? 

Security Deposit 

• How much is the security deposit?
• When is the security deposit due?
• What are the conditions for return of the security deposit and what are the allowable deductions?
• When will the security deposit be returned? 

Additional Costs 

• Are utilities included in the rent?
• Are pets allowed? If so, is there an additional fee or deposit?
• Are there any other additional fees?
• Is there a fee to terminate the lease early? 

Time of Occupancy 

• When are the move-in and move-out dates?
• How long is the lease?
• How much time is required to renew my lease?
• How much time is required for notice of moving out 

Roommates & Subleasing 

• What is the maximum number of roommates?
• Do all roommates sign the same lease, or are they separate?
• Is subletting allowed? If so, must the landlord approve a sublease?
• Is there a fee to sublet? 

Right of Entry & Inspections 

• How much notice will be given prior to entering or inspecting the property?
• Who else is allowed to enter the property? 

Modifications & Decorations 

• Can the unit be painted?
• Are there restrictions on holes in walls for things such as hanging art or installing a shelf? 

Repairs 

• Do you provide a move-in checklist for me to document any needed repairs?
• How long does it usually take for a response to a maintenance request? 

Parking 

• How many parking spaces are available per unit, if any
• Can we purchase extra spots for additional roommates?
• Where do guests park? 

Laundry 

• Are laundry machines provided in the unit? Is there a fee?
• Is there a laundry room on the property? 

Negotiate 

Renters often believe that the landlord’s offer is nonnegotiable, but that may not be the case. Before you sign, make sure the agreement addresses all your needs and concerns. When reading the agreement, mark sections with which you do not agree and discuss them with the landlord. Some common things you can try to negotiate are: 

• How you pay your initial deposit – Sometimes landlords will allow you to break the deposit into smaller, more manageable chunks over time.
• Making minor cosmetic changes – If you’re someone who really wants their space to reflect your style, you can try to negotiate for permission to make some changes to the space, such as changing the paint color.
• Moving dates – Landlords are often flexible about move-in/move-out dates and the length of your lease.
• Lawn care – If you are moving into a house, you may be able to negotiate whether you are responsible for landscape maintenance or if that’s something the landlord will hire someone for. 

Check for Illegal Provisions

A lease cannot include the following provisions: 

• Withholding a refund of prepaid rent or deposit without any valid reason
• Charging late fees that exceed 10% of the monthly rent
• Filing a lawsuit or claims against tenants without prior notification
• Evicting tenants or terminating rental agreement without proper notice
• Permitting the landlord to switch the locks or otherwise denying entrance to the property if the tenant is late paying rent
• Permitting the landlord to keep the tenant's personal property if they are late on rent or evicted.
• Prohibiting tenants from defending themselves in court if they are sued or evicted 

Get it in Writing

To avoid disputes or misunderstandings with your landlord, get everything in writing. Keep copies of any correspondence and follow up an oral agreement with an email or letter. For example, if you ask your landlord to make repairs, put your request in writing and keep a copy for yourself. 

Understanding Your Lease

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Housing in the U.S. often comes with utilities to keep the apartment comfortable and functioning. These include water, sewer, electricity, gas, garbage, recycling and sometimes even internet and cable TV subscriptions. Your landlord should include a description of all basic utilities covered in the lease agreement. Depending on the lease agreement, you may be responsible for setting some of them up yourself.

Cost Saving Tips

• Use LED lights for holiday decorations
• Air-dry your clothing and hair instead of using electric appliances
• Turn off lights when you leave a room
• Power down electronics
• Staying Cool:
  • Turn off your A/C, when possible
  • Replace the filters on your A/C
  • Use fans instead of A/C and open windows at night
  • Close curtains/ blinds during the day to keep the sun out
• Keeping Warm:
  • Open curtains/blinds to let the sun warm your home
  • Keep your thermostat at a low temperature
  • Wear warm clothes including slippers and sweaters. Wool is especially good in our damp climate. 

Your landlord's insurance policy will not cover your losses due to theft or damage. Renter's insurance is a common requirement among landlords, as it offers valuable protection for both you and your personal belongings, even when you are away from your home. In the event of a disaster that renders your home or apartment uninhabitable, such insurance can even cover expenses for temporary lodging and meals. Renter’s insurance may also cover your personal liability if someone gets injured in your apartment, such as from slipping or being bit by your pet. The insurance will help cover the injured person’s medical bills and your legal costs if you’re sued, within your policy limits.  
 
The cost of such policies varies depending on the extent of coverage, but typically falls between $15 to $30 per month. While not always mandatory, investing in renter's insurance is still a wise decision. You can find a list of some of the best providers on usnews.com. 
 

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