• Housing

    Table of Contents

    About Housing

    Housing provided by your employer

    Most Work and Travel employers offer on-site housing for students. Make sure you have read your job offer agreement closely to understand whether your host employer has arranged housing for you. Housing is usually in an apartment, motel, or dormitory style with shared living and common areas with your own bed.  If your employer does not arrange housing, you will be responsible for finding housing that is inexpensive, comfortable, safe, and close to your workplace. Utilize the time before you arrive to research accommodation options online. Your new host employer can also assist you in finding suitable accommodation near the hotel. You can expect to pay between $300 to $500 per month for accommodation. If there is a problem with the employer-provided housing, your sponsor is legally responsible for helping you find a suitable location.

    If you’d rather not use the housing provided by your sponsor or employer during your J-1 work and travel program, here’s what you can do:

    If you prefer not to use the housing provided by your sponsor or employer while on a J-1 work and travel program, start by researching local rental options online through platforms like Craigslist, Zillow, or Facebook Marketplace. Consider temporary housing options such as hostels or Airbnb until you find a long-term solution. Seek recommendations from colleagues, local community groups, or fellow J-1 participants. Ensure the housing is safe, affordable, and conveniently located near your workplace. Finally, inform your sponsor or employer of your new housing arrangement to ensure compliance with any program requirements.

    What to Expect in Rental Costs

    You can expect to pay between $300 to $500 per month for accommodation.

    How do I pay rent?

    You can pay rent via checks, bank transfers, online platforms like PayPal or Venmo, or sometimes cash, depending on your landlord’s preference. Open a U.S. bank account to facilitate these transactions, set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure timely payments, and keep records of all transactions to avoid disputes and maintain a good relationship with your landlord.

    Exploring the Process of Finding and Renting Housing

    Here are the steps to help you find and rent housing. Make sure to read through the rest of the housing tips on this page for more fun and detailed information.

    1. Find Housing Look at the ‘HousingService’ page. Avoid places that ask you to sign a long lease. Be careful if you see ads that seem too good to be true or ask you to wire money. Your housing should be close to where you will be working and in an area with safe and affordable transportation.
    2. Know What to Expect Some areas may only have older places available to rent. Things like kitchen utensils, furniture, or Wi-Fi might not be included. Before you decide, check out the area on Google Maps, ask for pictures beforehand, and talk to people who have lived there before.
    3. Signing the Lease If you decide where you want to live, you might have to sign a lease. A lease is a contract between you (the tenant) and the landlord. Read the lease carefully, make sure you understand it, and make sure the landlord signs it too. Keep a copy for yourself. If your landlord does not ask for a lease, you should.
    4. Paying a Deposit Your landlord might ask for some rent money upfront and a refundable security deposit. Make sure you have enough money with you. The lease should tell you about the deposit and how you will get it back. Never wire money to someone you do not know. If you can not see the place in person, ask someone you trust to check it out.
    5. Moving In When you move in, check for any damage and let your landlord know. Take pictures of any damage and keep a copy. If your lease does not have it, ask your landlord for their contact information in case there are any problems.
    6. Taking Care of Your Place Remember, you are renting, not owning. Treat your place nicely to get your deposit back. Be respectful to your neighbors and keep the noise down.
    7. Paying Rent Make sure you know when your rent is due to avoid late fees. Always get a receipt, no matter how you pay.
    8. Moving Out Plan a walkthrough with your landlord to check the condition of the place together. Take pictures when you move out. If you leave before your lease ends, you might lose your deposit.
    9. Getting Your Deposit Back If your place is in good condition, you should get your deposit back. Ask your landlord before you leave the US how and when you will get it back.

    Housing Terms

    Here are some words you might hear when you’re looking for housing:

    • Landlord: The person who owns or manages the property you are renting.
    • Lease: A legal agreement that explains the terms of your rental.
    • Security Deposit: Money you give to your landlord to cover any damage or unpaid rent. It might be refundable or not.
    • Tenant: You! The person renting the place.
    • Term of Length of Tenancy: How long you will be renting the place.

    Housing Problems

    What happens if the employer-provided housing does not work out?

    If employer-provided housing does not work out while you are a j-1 summer work & travel student in the USA, communicate the issues with your employer to seek a resolution, such as improvements or alternative accommodations. Review your contract for guidance, and if immediate relocation is necessary, discuss temporary solutions. Ensure the housing is safe and legal, and if needed, consider arranging your own housing while confirming any financial impacts with your employer. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain your safety and job performance.

    What do I need to do if I decide to change housing while I am in the U.S.?

    If you decide to change housing while in the U.S., inform your employer and review your contract for any related clauses. Find new accommodation that meets your needs and budget, ensuring it is safe and legally compliant. Arrange the move, notify relevant parties of your new address, and settle any financial obligations or lease terms associated with your previous housing.

    Who do I tell if there are problems with the housing that is provided by the employer or sponsor?

    If there are problems with the housing provided by your employer or sponsor, inform your employer or housing coordinator immediately. Clearly communicate the issues and request a resolution or alternative accommodations. If necessary, escalate the matter to higher management or the appropriate department within your organization.