Once you’ve confirmed that you’ll be visiting the U.S. on our Work & Travel USA program, you’ll need to find a place to live. Make sure you’ve read your job offer agreement closely to understand whether your host employer has arranged housing for you. If your employer doesn’t arrange housing, you’ll be responsible for finding housing that is inexpensive, comfortable, safe, and close to your work site. You’ll want to start researching housing options as soon as you know you’re participating on the program. The tips and resources on this page can help with this process. Once you’ve found housing, keep in touch with your employer and landlord to confirm your arrival date to the U.S. and the availability of your housing. Contact InterExchange if you have any questions or concerns about the rental process, your lease, or if you have trouble getting your security deposit back. Be prepared to send us your lease and photos of your housing.
View the steps below to learn more about the rental process. Be sure to carefully read the rest of the housing resources on this page for more detailed information.
1. Research
Use the resources listed in the Securing Housing section to find housing. You’ll want to avoid housing that requires you to sign a long-term lease. Be cautious if you see an ad that seems too good to be true or that requires you to wire money. Remember, your housing should be within reasonable distance to your employment site and in an area with regular, safe, and affordable transportation options.
2. Manage Expectations
Some areas may only have older accommodations available for rent. Kitchen facilities, furniture, Wifi, and other amenities such as cookware, cleaning appliances, and linens are not guaranteed. Research the area in advance – use Google Maps to view the property and area to see what transportation is available, request pictures in advance, and speak with former participants.
3. Lease
Once you have decided where you want to live, you may be asked to sign a lease. This is a contract between you (the tenant) and your landlord. Read the lease thoroughly, make sure you understand all of the terms before you sign it, and make sure the landlord has signed it. At this point, make a copy for your records. A lease is a record that you have rented a house or an apartment. Without it, you may not be protected. If your landlord does not require a lease, you may request one. InterExchange will also be available to review a lease in advance if you have any questions.
4. Deposit
Your landlord may request a portion of your rent in addition to a refundable security deposit, which may be due upon arrival. Please bring enough money with you to cover these costs. Information regarding the deposit should be clearly outlined in the lease and should include information about the return procedure, including when and how it will be returned. Your landlord may request the deposit before your arrival. However, it is never safe to wire money to someone you don’t know. If you cannot view the property in-person, ask someone you trust to go and confirm it’s for rent. This is a sure-way to confirm the legitimacy of the landlord and the property.
5. Move-In
Upon move-in you should take note of any pre-existing damages and send an email or letter to your landlord with the information. Keep a copy for yourself. Be sure to also take pictures and/or videos of the damages and condition of the housing. If it’s not provided in your lease, ask your landlord for their full name, email address, and phone number, in case you have any issues with your housing.
6. Respect Your Housing
Don’t forget you are leasing your housing, you do not own it. It is extremely important that you treat it with care to ensure the return of your security deposit. Be respectful of your neighbors, and keep noise to a minimum to avoid any fines.
7. Paying Rent
Make sure you know when your rent is due to avoid late fees. No matter which way you pay whether it is via cash, credit card, or check, you should always get a receipt upon payment. Save the receipt for your records.
8. Move-Out
Arrange a walkthrough with your landlord. A walkthrough allows both you and your landlord to view the condition of the housing together. We recommend taking pictures and/or videos again upon move-out. If you move-out before the agreed upon date in your lease, be aware that you may forfeit your security deposit.
9. Return of Deposit
If your housing was left in good condition, you should receive your deposit back. If outlined in your lease, a portion of your deposit may be nonrefundable. Talk to your landlord before you depart the U.S. about when and how the deposit will be returned.This list is not exhaustive and is only meant to summarize the rental the process.
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