International Student Tenants

[Josh Silvester]

Hi Everyone!

I have a duplex near a university that I have been house hacking the past year. We are looking for new tenants for the upcoming school year and I have international students that seem very responsible and respectful. They previously stayed at a reputable apartment complex in the area so I can get a landlord reference. Since they are international students, I cannot do a credit and background check so I wanted to see if there was anyone in this group that had experience with renting to international students and what their screening process is. Also just looking to hear about any tips or things to keep in mind when renting to international tenants if y'all have any, thanks!

[Kim Meredith Hampton]

To verify international rental applicants, landlords can utilize a combination of standard tenant screening methods and specialized international verification services. This includes verifying identification, credit, employment, and rental history, potentially through international credit agencies or by contacting previous landlords abroad. Here's a more detailed breakdown: 1. Standard Tenant Screening:

• Verification of Identity:This involves requesting a copy of the applicant's passport and visa (if applicable) to confirm their identity and legal status.
• Verification of Income:Request pay stubs, bank statements, or letters from employers to verify their income and employment status.
• Verification of Credit:While traditional credit checks may be difficult without a U.S. Social Security Number, international credit agencies or credit reporting services can provide information on an applicant's credit history abroad.
• Verification of Rental History:Contact previous landlords or property managers to obtain references and confirm the applicant's rental history.
• Background Checks:Run background checks to ensure there is no history of criminal activity, evictions, or other issues that could pose a risk.

2. International Verification Services:

• International Credit Agencies:Companies like Nova Credit offer international credit reports for landlords screening foreign-born tenants.
• International Tenant Screening Services:Services like Applycheck and Global Verification Network specialize in background checks and screening for international applicants.
• If the applicant has rental history in their home country, landlords can attempt to verify this by contacting their previous landlords or property managers.

3. Additional Considerations:

• Since most international tenants and students don't have a U.S. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), additional documentation may be required to verify their identity and credit history.
• Consider requesting a guarantor or co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to help ensure the applicant's financial stability.
• Landlords may opt to require a higher security deposit from international tenants as an added layer of protection.
• Some platforms allow international applicants to create a Renter Profile, which can include 5 years of residence history, employment history, and income verification.

By utilizing these methods, landlords can effectively verify international tenants and make informed decisions about renting their properties.