Most of my clients are people who have to relocate for a job. I frequently receive questions about navigating the rental process or past experiences that have left them uncertain. Often, the unfamiliar and complex nature of renting in the DMV area leads to exhaustion and procrastination, which can result in a last-minute rush to secure housing. I’ve gathered these six tips that will be especially helpful in finding a place to rent.
1. Navigating Rentals with No Credit History
If you are trying to rent but don’t have any credit history or SSN, bring this up with landlords or management companies from the start. Here are a few ways to work around the credit check:
- Get a U.S.-based co-signer. This is the ideal option, and most landlords are open to it.
- Offer a higher deposit or rent. Although it should be a last resort, offering more upfront can sometimes ease landlords’ concerns.
- Pay a portion or all of the total rent upfront. This may increase your chances of approval by showing the landlord your financial stability.
2. Don’t Waste Money on an Unresponsive Landlord
If you send the landlord a message and you don’t receive a response, don’t bother spending money on an application. Take the lack of response as a response. If they cannot take the time out to respond to your message then there is little chance they will review that application you spent your hard-earned money on.
3. Don’t Get Hung Up On One Place
Renting is not like in the movies where people get their dream place on the first try. Expect competition. Put together your top 10 places then reach out to them at once. This way, you’ll have more options and can focus on the landlords who respond quickly.
4. Arranging Property Tours from Another Country
Unable to tour in person? Here are your options
- Request Live Virtual Tours: Always push for a live tour at the property. A pre-recorded video can be outdated or edited.
- Ask a Local Friend to Tour for You: Schedule the tour as you normally would, but have a friend visit in your place to get a firsthand look.
5. Know Your Tenant Rights
Read your lease thoroughly and know your rights as a tenant. Each state in the DMV area has slightly different tenant protections, so understanding these will help ensure a smooth rental experience.
6. Expand Your Housing Search Radius
DC, Southern MD, and Northern VA are a lot closer and similar than you think. The DMV area is interconnected, with some locations just 10-15 minutes apart (across state lines). The DMV’s transportation is reliable. You can comfortably open your search to other areas in surrounding states with the knowledge that you will be able to get to work or school in a timely manner.
7. Learning DMV Neighborhoods
When exploring neighborhoods, check:
- Lifestyle & Safety: Use resources like Niche for area rankings. For safety, look at local police department websites and recent news articles.
- Transportation and Commuting: Go to the WMATA website to see the different routes and modes of public transportation around the DMV.
- Nearby Essentials: When looking at places, check the distance to grocery stores, public transportation, and other necessities.
Von Sydnor
A Northern Virginia real estate expert with a career rooted in property management and relocation services, Von specializes in helping clients move seamlessly to the DC metro area, combining market expertise with personalized support.
The Brand Insider Group makes North Virginia relocations easy—call 443-825-2815 or email brandinsidergroup@gmail.com!
