How to Rent an Apartment Abroad With No Credit History or Local Guarantor
Landlords want credit checks, references and a local guarantor. You just arrived and have none. How do new arrivals actually get their first rental abroad?
Helpful resources: See banking and credit-building tools on our Resources page.
Tokunbo Central’s answer: these are the routes newcomers most often use to get their first lease.
- Offer more upfront: some landlords accept extra months of rent in advance where the law allows it. Get everything in writing and never pay before seeing the property and contract.
- Use guarantor services: in several countries, paid guarantor or rent-guarantee companies can stand in for a local guarantor.
- Show proof of income: a job offer letter, payslips, savings statements or a scholarship letter.
- Start with short-term or shared housing: a room in a shared house, student housing or a short let gives you a local address and a reference.
- Ask your employer or university: many help new staff and students find housing.
- Get references: a letter from a previous landlord at home can still help.
- Know your rights: deposits are often legally protected; ask how yours will be held.
Your turn: how did you get your first place abroad? Any landlord or agency you would recommend, or avoid?
Add Your Reply
Sign in or join free to reply, vote and follow this conversation.
Sign in to reply Join free