How to Screen International or Foreign-Born Tenants

Renting to international or foreign-born tenants can be a great opportunity for property owners. These renters often come to the U.S. for school, military assignments, temporary work placements, or long-term employment. Many have strong financial backing, predictable incomes, and a high motivation to maintain the home because housing stability is essential to their stay in the country.

Still, screening them can feel confusing, especially when they don’t have a U.S. credit history, a Social Security number, or the usual documents landlords rely on. You want to protect your property, follow fair housing laws, and choose responsible renters. But at the same time, you don’t want to turn away great tenants just because they’re new to the country.

Here’s the good news:

After two decades of managing rental properties and screening thousands of applicants, I can confidently say that international tenants are often some of the most reliable and respectful renters you’ll ever meet. Many stay longer, pay on time, and care deeply about keeping a clean rental record because their visa, job, or education depends on it.

And the process doesn’t have to be complicated.

With the right steps, renting to international tenants can be safe, profitable, and low-risk. This guide walks you through exactly how to screen foreign-born renters the right way, legally, safely, and effectively. You’ll learn which documents to request, how to verify income, what to do when a tenant has no U.S. credit history, and how to protect yourself while staying compliant with federal fair housing rules.

Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Who Are International Tenants (and Why They Apply to Your Property)

Foreign-born tenants come to the United States for many reasons, and you will meet a wide range of applicants:

1. International Students (F-1 Visa Holders)

These students attend universities such as:

• University of Oklahoma
• Oklahoma State University
• Oklahoma City University
• Other Universities and Colleges across the U.S.

They typically provide:

• I-20 (document issued by a university)
• Passport
• I-94 arrival record
• Financial support documents

Many pay rent with help from:

• Parents abroad
• Sponsors
• University stipends
• Personal savings

2. Exchange Visitors (J-1 Visa Holders)

They come for temporary programs like research, teaching, or internships.

They bring:

• DS-2019 form
• Employment authorization (sometimes)
• Sponsorship details

3. Work Visa Holders (Skilled Professionals)

These include:

• H-1B (specialty workers)
• L-1 (intra-company transfers)
• O-1 (exceptional ability workers)
• TN (Canadian/Mexican under NAFTA)

They often work for large employers, making them excellent rental candidates.

4. Corporate Relocation Tenants

Their employer pays for:

• Moving
• Housing deposits
• Sometimes full rent

5. Immigrants and Families Adjusting Status

Some may be new to the U.S. but fully financially capable.

6. Military Personnel Diplomats

Often extremely reliable due to:

• Government backing
• Guaranteed income

Why They Apply to Your Property

International tenants usually:

• Pay on time
• Stay longer
• Need safe housing
• Value good landlord communication

Many landlords find them to be low-maintenance, respectful renters if screened correctly.

What You’re Legally Allowed to Request

Before you screen any tenant, international or not, you need to understand the law. This protects you, your property, and the applicant.

National Origin Is a Protected Class

Under the Fair Housing Act, you cannot treat someone differently because they:

• Were born in another country
• Have an accent
• Look or sound “foreign”
• Come from a specific region or culture

In short, you must screen everyone using the exact same criteria and the exact same process.

What You Can Ask For

As a landlord, you are legally allowed to request the same standard documents from every applicant, including:

• Valid identification
• Proof of income or financial support
• Employment or enrollment information
• Rental history
• Authorization for a background check
• Evidence that they can afford the rent

These requests are normal, legal, and part of responsible tenant screening.

What You Cannot Ask

Avoid questions that target an applicant’s background, immigration status, or future intentions. For example, you cannot ask:

• Where are you really from?
• Are you legally allowed to be in the U.S.?
• What’s your immigrant status?
• How long do you plan to stay in the country?

These questions are discriminatory, even if they seem harmless.

Here’s the Key Point

You can review documents like passports, visas, or foreign IDs as part of your standard identity verification, as long as:

• You request the same type of ID from every applicant
• You follow one uniform screening process
• You do not use immigrant status as a decision factor

Treat everyone equally, and you’ll stay fully compliant and protected.

How to Screen International Tenants (A Step-by-Step System)

Here is the most landlord-friendly system for screening foreign-born renters; simple, legal, effective.

Step 1: Verify Identity Using Acceptable Documents

Most international renters don’t have a U.S. ID yet, and that’s okay. You can use any of the following:

• Passport (most common)
• Visa page
• I-94 arrival/departure record
• I-20 (students)
• DS-2019 (exchange visitors)
• Employment authorization (if applicable)
• Green card (if they have one)

Why this matters:

You’re simply confirming that the person you’re renting to is the same person on the application.

Step 2: Review Visa Documents (Without Doing Immigrant Enforcement)

You are not checking immigration status. You’re only verifying:

• The name on the document matches the passport
• The dates make sense (e.g., student staying through the school year)
• The visa is not obviously fake

This protects you from fraud, one of the biggest screening risks.

Common visa types you will see:

• F-1: International students
• J-1: Exchange visitors
• H-1B: Skilled workers
• L-1: Transfer employees
• O-1: Exceptional ability
• TN: Canadians/Mexicans
• B-2: Visitors (rarely rent long-term)

Tip: If you’re unsure about a document, you can compare it with examples on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s official website.

Step 3: Verify Income and Employment

Income verification is just as important for international tenants as for domestic renters.

Acceptable income proof includes:

• Employment offer letter
• Contract with salary
• University funding letter
• Stipened documentation
• Bank statements (U.S. or foreign)
• Sponsor/parent guarantee letters

Why offer letters matter:

Work visa holders often secure high-paying jobs at:

• Hospitals
• Tech companies
• Universities
• Engineering firms
• Energy companies

These applicants are usually very reliable.

Step 4: Screening a Tenant With No SSN or ITIN

Many international renters arrive without a Social Security Number. This is not a red flag.

Here’s how to screen safely:

Option 1: Use International Credit Reports

Some companies can pull foreign credit history from countries like:

• Canada
• UK
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• EU countries

Option 2: Manual Financial Screening

Ask for:

• 3-6 months bank statements
• Tuition payments records (Students)
• Proof of foreign income
• Sponsorship letters

Option 3: Require a Co-Signer or Guarantor

Common options include:

• U.S. family member
• Employer
• University program
• International guarantor service

Option 4: Higher Deposit or Prepaid Rent

Depends on your state law, but many landlords request:

• First month + last month
• Security deposit
• Sometimes 2-3 months prepaid (allowed in many states)

These solutions are common, legal, and fair, as long as you apply them equally to all tenants with limited credit history.

Step 5: Run a Background Check (Even Without SSN)

Many landlords don’t know this, but you can run background checks using:

• Passport
• Full name
• Birthdate
• Current/previous addresses
• ITIN (if available)

You may not get a full U.S. criminal record, but you can still get:

• Eviction history
• Address history
• Public records
• Social matches (if SSN exists later)

Important Clarification:

You cannot access interpol or international police reports. No screening company can.

Step 6: Review Rental History (U.S. or International)

Not all international tenants have U.S. rental history, but many do.

If they have U.S. history:

• Call previous landlords and ask:
• Did they pay on time?
• Were there complaints?
• Did they leave the unit in good condition?
• Would you rent to them again?

If they only have foreign rental history:

You can still call:

• Previous landlords
• Property managers
• Student housing offices

If time zones are difficult, ask for:

• Written confirmation
• Email references
• Lease copies

You can use the Intenational Tenant Screening Checklist for convenience.

What Are the Extra Tools to Reduce Risk (Without Discrimination)

If you want a little more peace of mind when renting to international or foreign-born tenants, there are several fair, legal, and commonly used options. These tools strengthen your screening process without breaking fair housing laws or treating anyone unfairly.

1. Require a Guarantor or Co-Signer

This is one of the safest ways to protect yourself, especially when the applicant has no U.S. credit history.

A guarantor can be:

• A parent
• A sponsor
• An employer
• A U.S.-based relative
• A university or academic program

Many international students and employees already expect this requirement. It’s normal and fully legal as long as you ask the same from any applicant who cannot meet your income or credit criteria.

2. Request Prepaid Rent

Prepaid rent (such as first and last month’s rent, or 2-3 months upfront) is another common solution.

International tenants are often aware of this requirement and are prepared for it because:

• They may not have U.S. credit
• They want to show financial security
• Their sponsors or programs typically budget for it

As long as you apply the same option for other applicants with similar financial profiles, this is legally sound.

3. Ask for a Higher, but Legal, Security Deposit

A higher security deposit can help reduce risk, but only if:

• It follows your state’s limit
• You apply it equally to all applicants with similar qualifications
• It’s based on real screening criteria (not nationality)

This is one of the simplest ways to protect your property while staying compliant.

4. Use Corporate Housing Agreements

If the tenant works for a large company, the employer may be willing to step in. Many corporations routinely:

• Pay the security deposit
• Cover the first several months of rent
• Guarantee the lease
• Provide a housing letter verifying employment and salary

This can give you an added layer of security and predictable payments.

5. Create a Simple Document Checklist

A consistent screening process protects you and keeps things fair. A document checklist helps you stay organized and ensures you treat every applicant the same.

Your checklist may include:

• Identification
• Income verification
• Employment or enrollment documents
• Sponsor/guarantor info
• Background check authorization

This prevents accidental discrimination and makes your screening process cleaner and more professional.

Common Red Flags When Screening International Tenants

Most international renters are responsible, motivated, and great to work with. But just like any applicant, there are a few warning signs you shouldn’t ignore. These red flags can help you spot potential issues early.

1. Unverifiable or Suspicious Documents

Be cautious if:

• A visa looks altered or inconsistent
• A passport has missing pages
• The document numbers don’t validate
• The issuing country’s format doesn’t match official samples

You don’t need to be an immigration expert, but you should verify that documents look legitimate and can be confirmed.

2. Mismatched Names

If the name on the application doesn’t match the name on the passport or supporting documents, ask for clarification.

Sometimes this is innocent (such as different spellings or cultural naming differences), but it can also signal:

• Identity issues
• Fraud
• Someone applying on behalf of another person

Always make sure the applicant is who they say they are.

3. Overpayment or Refund Scams

A common rental scam involves someone offering to pay more than the required amount and then requesting a refund.

Examples include:

• “Can I pay six months of rent now? I just need you to wire back the extra.”
• “My sponsor sent too much money. Can you refund the balance?”

If it feels unusual or rushed, it’s a red flag.

4. Pressure to Skip Screening Steps

If someone tries to avoid the normal screening process, it’s a sign something isn’t right.

Watch for comments like:

• “Can we skip the background check?”
• “I’ll pay extra if we don’t do a credit check.”
• “I don’t want to share employment details.”

A reliable tenant, international or local, will never pressure you to bypass standard procedures.

5. No Reasonable Explanation for Missing Documents

Not every international renter will have:

• U.S. credit
• A Social Security number
• Long rental history

That’s normal.

But they should be honest and transparent. If someone cannot explain missing documents or becomes defensive or vague; it’s a concern.

6. Inconsistent Employment or Enrollment Stories

Their story should align with their visa type and their paperwork. For example:

• A work visa should match the job offer letter
• A student visa should match their school program
• A sponsorship letter should list accurate dates

If the details don’t line up, you need clarification before moving forward.

Common Mistakes Landlords Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Screening international or foreign-born tenants isn’t difficult, but there are a few common mistakes that can create legal issues or cause you to lose great renters. Here’s how to avoid them with confidence.

Mistake #1: Treating International Applicants Differently

Some landlords change their process when they hear an accent or see a foreign passport.

This is a violation of the Fair Housing Act.

How to avoid it:

• Use one standard screening policy for every applicant. Same documents. Same questions. Same steps.

Mistake #2: Assuming “No Credit” Means “Bad Renter”

Most international applicants won’t have U.S. credit, and that’s completely normal.

No credit ≠ bad credit.

No credit simply means they’re new to the system.

How to avoid it:

Use alternatives:

• Bank statements
• Sponsorship letters
• Employment verification
• Guarantors
• Prepaid rent

Many international tenants end up being some of the most stable, long-term renters.

Mistake #3: Not Verifying Documents Thoroughly

Some landlords worry about offending applicants by checking visas, passports, or financial documents.
But verifying identity is normal and legal as long as you do it for everyone.

How to avoid it:

Use the same identity-check process for:

• U.S. applicants
• International applicants
• Anyone with alternative documents

You’re simply confirming the person is who they say they are.

Mistake #4: Asking Illegal Questions

Even innocent-sounding questions can become discrimination issues.

Never ask about:

• Citizenship
• Country of origin
• Immigration status
• Where someone is “really from”
• How long they plan to stay in the U.S.

These questions target national origin, which is a protected class.

How to avoid it:

Stick to legal questions:

• “Do you meet our income criteria?”
• “Can you provide documentation to verify your identity?”
• “Can you authorize a background check?”

Mistake #5: Denying Applicants Without Objective Reasons

You cannot deny someone based on a “feeling” or their background.

Your decisions must be based on clear, consistent, and documented screening standards, such as:

• Income requirements
• Rental history
• References
• Ability to pay rent
• Background check results

How to avoid it:

• Write down your screening criteria and apply them evenly. If you deny an applicant, document the specific, lawful reason.

When to Approve or Deny an International Tenant

Screening international tenants becomes much easier when you focus on clear, objective criteria, not assumptions. Here’s a simple guide to help you make confident, fair decisions.

Approve When:

You should move forward with the application when the tenant:

• Meets your income requirements (or has a guarantor/sponsor who does)
• Provides consistent, verifiable documents
• Passes your background screening
• Communicates clearly and responds promptly
• Follows your instructions and submits the full application

These are the same green flags you look for in any quality tenant, international or local.

Deny When:

You should decline the application when:

• Fraud, forgery, or manipulated documents are discovered
• Income does not meet your written standards
• Identity or financial documents cannot be verified
• They fail to meet the criteria written in your screening policy

As long as your criteria are consistent, documented, and applied to every applicant, you are fully within your rights to deny.

Important Reminder

Your decision must always be based on facts and screening criteria, never on nationality, ethnicity, accent, or immigration status.

Treating every applicant the same protects you legally and helps you choose reliable tenants with confidence.

Why International or Foreign-Born Tenants Can Be Great Renters

Many landlords are surprised to learn that international or foreign-born tenants often become some of their best, most reliable renters. After two decades of managing rental properties, I’ve seen this pattern repeat again and again.

International tenants are frequently:

• Quiet and respectful
• Timely with rent payments
• Long-term occupants
• Careful with the property
• Supported financially by employers, sponsors, or universities

These factors give landlords stability, fewer vacancies, and lower turnover costs.

Backed by Data: Long-Term Stability

According to international housing research, over 80% of corporate relocation employees stay in leases for more than 12 months.

This means:

• More predictable income
• Lower marketing and turnover expenses
• Fewer vacancy gaps

For landlords, this reliability is extremely valuable.

Why Sponsored Students Are Low-Risk Renters

International students, especially those with university sponsorships, often make excellent tenants because:

• Parents or guardians guarantee payment
• Universities verify enrollment and financial support
• Many students come from financially stable families

Plus, students rely heavily on keeping stable housing, which motivates them to respect the terms of the lease.

Why Work-Visa Holders Make Strong Applicants

Tenants on employment visas (like H-1B, L-1, E-2, O-1, etc.) are typically:

• Highly educated
• Employed in in-demand industries (engineering, healthcare, tech, research, energy)
• Thoroughly vetted by U.S. employers and federal agencies
• Motivated to maintain good financial and rental history to protect their visa status.

This creates a strong incentive to pay rent on time and maintain the property responsibly.

Screening Foreign-Born Tenants Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

Renting to international tenants is becoming more common every year. With global work visas, universities bringing in international students, and companies relocating employees, many property owners are meeting trustworthy renters who simply need a fair chance.

When you use the right screening process, you can:

• Protect your investment
• Stay legally compliant
• Reduce vacancies
• Attract high-quality tenants
• Build long-term relationships

International tenants can be some of the most stable and reliable renters you’ll ever have; you just need the right tools to evaluate them properly.