HOUSING RESOURCES
To make your arrival as successful as possible, AAG requires that you have secured housing BEFORE you arrive to the US.
Refer to your job offer/placement offer, Host Company, Agency or AAG for recommendations regarding your housing options. Search the internet for budget lodging and short-term housing in the area of your choice. Hostels, affordable motels, universities and colleges are good options.
Arriving to the US without a place to stay is not safe. Take the time to make your housing reservation before you leave and know how you will get there from the airport.
Keep in mind that in some areas, it will be very difficult to find and secure housing once you have arrived. Even the suggested housing leads in your Job Offer/Placement Offer may be full. In addition, there are thousands of J1 participants just like you who are planning for their arrival too, so you will want to book your housing early!
Don’t accept the landlord’s word as the only resource toward the safety of your housing. You can ask other people for their opinions or research the internet for general facts about the area or property.
You may also screen potential landlords or roommates through the US Department of Justice public database of registered sex offenders: http://www.nsopw.gov/en-US/Search
Be sure you are satisfied with your choice. Trust your instincts! Is this housing affordable?
Think about all the costs associated with your housing.
Is it furnished? Are utilities included in rent? Are there laundry facilities? What is the length of the lease?
The answers to these questions will affect your overall monthly costs.
Is there access to affordable transportation?
Can I walk or ride a bike to work? Are the roads safe? Is there access to public transportation? What are the transportation costs? Will I have access to stores, banks, food, entertainment, etc?
Do I understand the housing terms and requirements of my leasing agreement?
Be sure to read and understand any rental lease agreements before you sign them. Once you sign a document, you are legally bound and responsible to the terms you’ve agreed to. If you have difficulty understanding terms of your leasing agreement, please discuss this with your Agency or contact AAG. Make sure to keep a copy of your leasing agreement for your records.
Deposit Requirements: Understand the deposit requirements of your chosen housing location. Be prepared to pay your deposit upon arrival and prior to moving into your housing.
Paying Rent: Bring enough money to pay your first month’s rent and any additional months while you’re waiting for your first paycheck. You will be financially responsible to pay all rent due according to the signed housing terms and lease agreements.
Below is a list of helpful Housing Resources:
www.dormco.com – Before you arrive in the US and begin your AAG program, visit our partner Dormco to order the essential furniture.
https://www.hiusa.org – Hostelling International USA is a popular resource to book hostels all across the USA.
www.hostelworld.com – Multi-lingual website with hostels and city guides all around the USA. www.ymca.int – the YMCA and YWCA are well known US associations with chapters across the USA. Some locations offer short-term housing. You may also Google “YMCA lodging” to locate specific areas. https://www.apartmentsearch.com – Nationwide apartment locator launched by CORT Furniture, the national Furniture supplier
www.apartmentlist.com – National apartment locator
http://www.apartmentfinder.com – National apartment locator
http://www.extendedstayamerica.com – National hotel chain for extended short-term stays
http://www.hotels.com – National Hotel finder
University listings and Bulletin boards – Many campuses have bulletin boards where students post notices looking for roommates. Keep in mind that many students with year-long leases need to sublet their apartments for the summer and often do so with affordable prices. Most universities also have an Off-Campus Housing Office with lists of available housing and rental options in the local area.
www.simplebills.com – This is an online bill management system that can help you manage and pay your bills if sharing expenses with roommates. www.cort.com – CORT is a national furniture supplier that provides short-term furniture rental and delivery.
ATTENTION: Please make sure to exercise extra caution when considering postings for a room, apartment or roommate. For additional safety, you may screen the locations and people you may be renting from or with through the US Department of Justice public database of registered sex offenders: http://www.nsopw.gov/en-US/Search
Alliance Abroad Group cautions you against using Craiglist when looking for housing. To avoid being a victim of a scam, do not wire money to a landlord that you have not met in person.