How to find a rental home in the United States: key tips for teachers going to teach in the US

Are you planning to live and work as a teacher in the US? One of the key aspects when planning your move is finding a rental home in the United States. Here are some tips to facilitate your search.

Define your budget

Before starting your search, define a clear and realistic budget. Consider your income and projected expenses to determine how much you can spend on rent.

Rental costs in the U.S. vary greatly depending on the state, city, and neighborhood where you want to live, ranging from U.S. $1,000 in shared houses to U.S. $3,000 (or more) in a home just for you and your family.

Among the cities with the most expensive rental costs are Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Cities like Cleveland, Atlanta, and Phoenix are more affordable.

When calculating the cost of a rental in the USA, it is important to add an average of the basic utility bills and, depending on the case, community fees to the price.

To research the estimated cost of living in the city where you are going to live, you can use platforms like Numbeo.

Where to find a rental in the United States

To find rental options in the USA, you can start with portals like Airbnb, Coliving.com, Zillow, Apartments.com and Rent.com. These pages allow you to explore a wide variety of options, filter by location and price, and see photos and videos of the properties.

On Airbnb and Coliving, you can find options to live in shared houses, which is usually cheaper because the bills and expenses are included in the price.

You can also join local community groups on Facebook to find offers and advice about the city where you are going. Many times, owners post directly in these groups and on Facebook Marketplace before listing the properties on websites.

Another way to find rentals is with the help of a real estate agent. A local agent can be a great ally, especially if you do not know the area well. They will help you find options according to your needs and negotiate better conditions.

Tips for finding a good rental in the U.S.

In the United States, foreigners have the right to rent properties, and landlords should not prevent you from doing so. However, each owner or landlord can establish their own requirements, such as proof of income and employment contracts.

Here are some key tips to facilitate your search and ensure you find a place to live with peace of mind in the USA:

• Prefer a temporary rental for the first few days: You can rent a room or house per day for your first few weeks in the USA, and leave finding a more permanent home for when you are already there.

Make sure to book accommodation with easy access to transportation and services, and that is close to the school where you are going to work.

• Research the area: Before choosing a property, analyze the safety of the neighborhood, access to public transportation, proximity to schools and services, and the general environment.

Ask for information and advice from the school where you are going to work, and from people you trust who know the city.

You can also connect with other international teachers through EdBinder and check their experiences living in the city or state where you plan to travel.

Another option is to look at platforms like Trulia.com to know the opinion of residents about each neighborhood, which will help you make a better decision.

• Visit the property: When you are already in the United States, schedule an in-person visit to see each of the properties that interest you.

If you are not in the USA and want to move forward with this step, in some cases you can request a virtual visit. Or if you have someone you trust who lives in the city, you can ask them to inspect the home for you.

• Read the contract carefully: Review all the terms and conditions, including the duration of the contract, deposit policies, and the responsibilities of the landlord and tenant.
• Consider sharing housing: If you are looking to reduce costs, evaluate the possibility of having roommates or renting a room in a shared house.
• Rent furnished spaces: If you decide to rent something just for yourself or to live with your family, prefer to rent a place that is already furnished. This saves you from buying furniture and the need to pay for freight and moving.
• Hire rental insurance: This type of insurance costs between $10 and $30 per month and will protect you against unforeseen events, such as damage to the property or unexpected situations that may affect your stay. In many cases, it will be mandatory.

Documents you may need to rent a house in the USA

To rent a home in the United States just for yourself and your family with a non-immigrant work visa, you may need some of these documents:

• Valid passport with the work visa.
• Social Security Number (SSN). If you do not have one, the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) may be useful.
• Employment contract or letter from the employer that confirms your position, salary, and duration of employment.
• Recent pay stubs.
• Tax returns (if applicable).
• A credit report from an agency like Credit Karma or Experian (only if you have a previous credit history in the USA).
• In case of not having a credit history, international bank reference letters, which demonstrate economic solvency.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover rent and expenses.
• In some cases, a guarantor may be required, who is a U.S. resident with a good credit history.
• In some cases you will have to pay a security deposit (month of guarantee).

The requirements and requested documents vary depending on the landlord, the type of residence, and the state where you are going to live. Having a good credit history (Credit Score) in the United States can facilitate the rental process.

Advantages of living and teaching in the U.S.

Living and working in the United States as a teacher is an incredible opportunity, full of benefits for your personal and professional life. Some of the main ones are:

1. Professional development: U.S. schools offer access to cutting-edge educational technology and an innovative methodology that strengthens your career. In addition, institutions often offer opportunities for ongoing training and professional development to their teachers.

The U.S. education system supports the growth of teachers. You will be able to try different teaching methods and work with students from different cultures, which will give you more professional experience.

2. An enriching experience: Living in the U.S. will open doors to new cultures, help you improve your English, and give you a good quality of life.

The country also offers a wide variety of entertainment options, from national parks and beaches to world-class cultural and sporting events. Whatever your lifestyle, you will find an environment that will allow you to grow both personally and professionally.

3. Excellent quality of life: Working as a teacher in the United States you will have access to better salaries compared to salaries in Latin America. This allows you to have a good quality of life in a country that has top-quality infrastructure and a stable economy.

Prepare for the adventure of being a teacher in the United States

We know that moving to another country can generate doubts and uncertainty, but do not let fear stop you. The experience of teaching in the United States is transformative and will open doors to a world of possibilities. Trust your skills, be brave, and dare to live this adventure. We assure you that you will not regret it.

If you want to take the step and start your adventure as an educator in the U.S., register on EdBinder and explore the incredible job opportunities that await you. Your future as a teacher abroad starts here!

Every step of the way to teaching in the United States is very important. Get well informed and anticipate the procedures you can, in order to travel with more tranquility and confidence to live this incredible experience.

For more information about teaching abroad, visit our blog.

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