Renting first apartment (new immigrant without credit history) (Miami: apartment complex, renters)

[Americki San]

Greetings,

I have a question about renting the first apartment once we arrive in the US, as we will be moving to Florida after winning the green card lottery.

Since we are going to be new immigrants without a credit history, could we have a problem renting an apartment?

We will have proof of funds enough to cover 6 months of rent; we wouldn't even mind paying everything in advance to secure the housing.

We are a family with a small baby, so it would be convenient to know in advance how smooth this process will be and how fast we can find an apartment and move in, as otherwise, we would have to rent a hotel.

I am just curious about how other immigrants without credit history solved their first-time rent, and if there are any tips on what to pay attention to.

[himain]

To be honest, you'll probably have to find a private landlord in order to do this. It may not be easy

[BOS2IAD]

OP---You can go to the rental office in an apartment complex and explain your situation to them. Be prepared to have the documentation to back you up. Do you both have jobs lined up? If not, that might end up being a hurdle.

[Americki San]

Thank you for the answers.

We won't have jobs on the first day we arrive definitely

Our goal is to start a business, but I assume it will take us some time till we set it up.

I could have documents that prove my bank account balance, I could even bring cash for 6 months if they need to see it or take it As long as they would approve us for rent so we could avoid that hustle in first days in the United States

I'm just not sure what is the practice or why they would reject us if we are willing to pay in advance

[MiamiLIFE]

Originally Posted by Americki San

Thank you for the answers.

We won't have jobs on the first day we arrive definitely

Our goal is to start a business, but I assume it will take us some time till we set it up.

I could have documents that prove my bank account balance, I could even bring cash for 6 months if they need to see it or take it As long as they would approve us for rent so we could avoid that hustle in first days in the United States

I'm just not sure what is the practice or why they would reject us if we are willing to pay in advance

You're going to have to find a private landlord (most likely) and have to pay in advance. I would be concerned if I were you about getting scammed out of your saved money. For that reason, I would check Airbnb to see if you can find a 6 month rental and you can pay through the website. At least you will have some protection from Airbnb if you pay in advance. I would be scared to send 6 months of rent to a private landlord in Miami that you found on Facebook or some other portal.

[WilliamInMiami]

Straight up OP, you might have a problem. You may think having some cash will have a big impact on a landlord but pretty much all renters are expected to have 1st months rent, last months rent, and 1 month security deposit before moving in. Job stability is a big factor along with credit score.
Most landlords use companies to do a background check on potential renters which covers all of the above plus criminal background. Because of high demand landlords in Miami have no problems finding renters. Good luck.