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How to Find Houses or Apartments for Rent in the US

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Looking for a rental property doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. In this article, we provide practical tips on where to search for houses, apartments, and rooms for rent, information on programs that help pay your rent, and more. Whether you’re a first-time renter or a seasoned tenant, this guide will simplify the rental process and help you make informed decisions.


Next, we will answer the following questions:


  1. Where can I search for houses or apartments for rent?
  2. Where can I search for rooms for rent?
  3. Do I need to pay to use these rental listing websites? 
  4. How can I ensure the rental is legitimate?
  5. Are there programs that help with rental assistance?
  6. What are my rights as a tenant in the US?

Where can I search for houses or apartments for rent?

The following websites offer useful features to help you find the perfect home or apartment:

  • Zillow: Zillow is a popular website with a comprehensive database of rental properties, including apartments, condos, and houses. You can easily filter your search based on criteria such as price, location, and number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
  • Trulia: Trulia is another website that can help you find rental properties in a specific area. It offers a neighborhood insights feature that provides information on nearby amenities, crime rates, and school ratings to help you find a rental property that meets your needs.
  • Apartments.com: This website specializes in apartment rentals and provides floor plans, photos, and virtual tours of apartments. It is also available in Spanish, making it a great option for bilingual renters.
  • Rent.com: Rent.com is a user-friendly website that allows you to filter your search based on location, price range, and other criteria. One of its most useful features is the ability to pay your rent online and submit maintenance requests directly through the website, simplifying the rental process.
  • Craigslist: Craigslist is a popular website for finding rental properties. It allows you to browse rental properties posted directly by landlords and private property owners. You may find lower costs as you don’t have to go through a property management company. However, exercising caution and thoroughly researching any potential rental properties is important to avoid scams.
  • Facebook Groups and Marketplace: Facebook groups can be a great way to find rental properties in your area. Join local housing or rental groups and browse listings posted by landlords and property owners. You can also use Facebook Marketplace to filter your search based on location, price, and other criteria to find rental properties in your area.

Where can I search for rooms for rent?

The following websites and apps can help you find a room to rent:

  • Roomster: Roomster is a website and app connecting people looking to rent rooms with potential roommates. You can create a profile, browse listings, and message potential roommates directly through the platform. Roomster also offers a background check service to help you feel more secure when choosing a roommate.
  • Roomies: Roomies is another website and app that allows you to search for rooms for rent and connect with potential roommates. 
  • Facebook Groups: Many cities and towns have Facebook groups dedicated to housing and rentals. These groups can be a great way to find rooms for rent and connect with potential roommates.
  • Craigslist: Craigslist is a free online classifieds website where you can search for rooms for rent in your area. You can search by location, price, and other criteria.

In addition to these websites and apps, you can check local newspapers and postings around your desired neighborhood.

Do I need to pay to use these rental listing websites?

No, most rental listing websites offer basic features for free. All you need to do is create an account by signing up with a valid email address.

How can I ensure the rental is legitimate?

There are several steps you can take to ensure that a rental property is legitimate before signing a lease or providing any personal or financial information:

  1. Verify the landlord or property owner: Check their contact information and verify that the person you’re communicating with is the legit owner or authorized agent of the property.
  2. Visit the property in person: If possible, visit the rental property to ensure that it exists and is in the condition advertised in the listing.
  3. Beware of red flags: Be wary of rental properties priced significantly below market rate, require a large deposit or rent payment upfront, or request personal or financial information before allowing you to view the property.
  4. Check for online reviews: Look for online reviews of the property and landlord on websites like Yelp and Google to see if there are any red flags or negative reviews.
  5. Trust your instincts: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you feel uneasy about a rental property or landlord, trust your instincts and move on to another option.

Are there programs that help with rental assistance?

Yes, various programs are available to help with rental assistance in the US. 

  • The Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8, provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Participants in the program receive a voucher that they can use to pay a portion of their rent while the program covers the rest. For more information on this program, click here
  • The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) assists households unable to pay their rent and utilities. To learn how to apply to this program, click here

Below is a list (provided by USAhello.org) of government agencies and non-profit organizations that can help you find housing and pay rent:

ResourceAssistance
FindHelloFind housing help for immigrants and refugees in your area.
Housing Counseling AgenciesCounselors nationwide provide free or low-cost advice on finding affordable housing, renting, or buying a home.
HUD(US Department of Housing and Urban Development)A federal government agency that offers a variety of resources for obtaining housing and rental assistance.
HUD Find ShelterHelp homeless people find resources in their communities.
HUD Public Housing Agency (PHA)Affordable housing for seniors, disabled, and people with low income.
Housing Collaborative (previously known as Social Serve)877.428.8844A non-profit organization with a call center in English and Spanish that connects people with housing.
2-1-1Call 211 for resources to help you pay housing expenses and utility bills.

What are my rights as a tenant in the US?

As a tenant in the US, you are protected by certain rights that ensure you are treated fairly and live in a safe and healthy environment. These rights apply to all tenants, including undocumented individuals. However, it’s important to note that tenant rights can vary depending on your city and state. Some common tenant rights in the US include:

  1. Right to habitable living space: Landlords must provide a safe and habitable living space for tenants with heat, hot water, and proper sanitation.
  2. Right to privacy: Landlords cannot enter your rental unit without proper notice and permission, except in emergencies.
  3. Right to fair housing: Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on race, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability.
  4. Right to a lease: Tenants have the right to a written lease that outlines the terms and conditions of their tenancy.
  5. Right to timely repairs: If something in your rental unit needs repairing, the landlord is required to make repairs within a reasonable amount of time.
  6. Right to be free from retaliation: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights, such as raising concerns about the rental unit’s condition.

Mitzi Colin Lopez is a Digital Ads Content Creator and Experimenter at Noticias Para Inmigrantes. Her origin as a Mexican immigrant characterizes and drives her to empower the Latinx, Hispanic and immigrant communities. She is a recent graduate of West Chester University, where she obtained her bachelor’s in Political Science and Spanish. Her passions include social justice, advocacy, hiking, traveling, and weightlifting.