International renters
Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I am not a US citizen?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
A landlord cannot refuse you because of your national origin, which the federal Fair Housing Act protects. Citizenship and immigration status are not federally protected in the same way, but some states and cities, including California and New York City, add those protections. Applying the same ID and screening rules to everyone is usually legal.
The line is about treating applicants the same. A landlord can ask every applicant for ID and proof of funds, and can decline someone who does not meet the same standards everyone else must meet. A landlord who turns you away because of your accent, your name, your country, or who rents only to people 'from here', may be breaking the law.
- Likely fine: 'We need a credit check or a guarantor for every applicant.'
- Worth questioning: 'No international students.' Depending on the facts and where you live, this may be national origin discrimination.
- Likely illegal: 'We do not rent to people from your country', or different rent, deposits or rules for you than for other applicants.
Keep screenshots of listings and messages. If you think you were treated differently, you can file a complaint with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development or your state or city fair housing agency. Your university's international office or legal aid clinic can help you decide whether to.
If you see a listing like that in one of our groups, use Facebook's report button on the post. Our moderators review every report.
Want the whole picture? Read Renting as an International Student.