Welcome to our essential tips on renting a house in the US!
Are you a newcomer to the United States and looking to rent a house? Finding a suitable rental property can be a daunting process, especially in competitive cities like Los Angeles. In this blog, we will provide you with 5 tips to help you navigate the rental process effectively.
Los Angeles, the second-most populous city in the U.S., is home to 4 million people from all over the world. Renting a house is a top priority for those pursuing their California dream. Over 60% of the city’s population are renters, but the number of vacant apartments is less than 4%. Renting student housing in Los Angeles can be pretty competitive.
Rental seasons in Los Angeles vary, especially near schools and universities. The off-season, from November to April, coincides with winter and spring, while the peak season is from May to October. During the peak season, students prepare for school, and those with expired rental contracts search for apartments.
Quick Tip 1: Determining Your Housing Preferences
Before you start searching for rent a house, it’s crucial to identify your specific housing preferences. Consider the following factors:
Do you want to live alone or share the accommodation with roommates? In addition to the room, is the living room, kitchen and toilet willing to be shared with other people?
What size of the room or apartment do you require?
- Do you need to be close to your school or workplace?
- Are specific amenities like a kitchen or parking space important to you?
- What stores would you like nearby, e.g., grocery store, bar, fitness centre, etc?
Quick Tip 2: Setting your budget
Setting a budget is one of the most critical aspects of renting a house. Take into account your monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, transportation, groceries, and other miscellaneous costs. It is generally recommended to allocate no more than a quarter to a third of your monthly income. This will help ensure financial stability and prevent undue strain on your finances.
The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles is about $2,400, a two-bedroom apartment is about $3,000, and a studio apartment ranges from about $700 to $1,500. Rent generally varies with the apartment or room’s location, size, and facilities. For those on a lower budget, you can also look for shared rooms, where several people live in one room.
Quick Tip 3: Researching and Choosing Nerghbourhood
In a city like Los Angeles, where traffic congestion is common, selecting a neighbourhood close to your school or workplace can significantly reduce commuting time and stress. Additionally, prioritize safety when choosing a neighbourhood. Look for areas with low crime rates and consider using online resources such as NeighborhoodScout, Family WatchDog, and CrimeReports for safety ratings and information.
Quick Tip 4:Finding Trustworthy Rental Resources
With numerous rental websites available, using reputable and reliable sources is essential. Here are some popular websites for finding rentals in LA, Additionally, seek recommendations from friends, colleagues, or online communities to find trustworthy agents or property management companies.
Quick Tip 5: Preparing Documents
When renting a house in the United States, it is necessary to prepare documents, mainly to help the landlord understand the personal background of the tenant, as well as to prove that the tenant can pay the monthly rent. Because the tenant’s interests are protected once the rental agreement is signed, landlords in the U.S. are more careful in selecting tenants and require a variety of documents. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the documents you may need:
Passport front page or photocopy of the visa, mainly including personal data and photo
Form I-20 or DS-2019
Proof of income: proof of salary or scholarship, generally 3 to 4 times the monthly rent
Bank Certificate of Deposit: For international students who do not have a job or a scholarship, a certificate of deposit is required, usually in an amount of 36 to 48 times the total monthly rent
If there is no strong proof of income or savings, some landlords will ask for someone with a good credit history in the U.S. as your co-signer
In a few cases, some landlords will also ask for the tenant’s U.S. Social Security Number (SSN)
FAQ
The average size for a Los Angeles, CA apartment is 790 square feet, but this number varies greatly depending on unit type, with cheap and luxury alternatives for houses and apartments alike. Studio apartments are the smallest and most affordable; 1-bedroom apartments are closer to the average, while 2-bedroom apartments and 3-bedroom apartments offer a more generous square footage.
Encino
Los Feliz
Mar Vista
Playa Vista
Porter Ranch
Westwood, Culver City, Silver Lake, Echo Park
