Expat's Guide to US Relocation: Top 8 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease in the US

Updated for 2026: This post was originally published in 2023. For the latest tips and a comprehensive guide, see Moving to the US as an Expat: The Complete Relocation Guide (2026).

When Sophie and I were apartment hunting in the Bay Area after leaving Singapore, I made some classic expat mistakes. I was so focused on finding a place quickly — because living out of a hotel with a child gets old fast — that I didn't ask enough questions before signing. Lesson learned the hard way :P

Renting in the US is different from renting in Singapore in ways that caught me off guard. The lease agreements are longer, the fees are structured differently, and there are things you'd never think to ask about until it's too late. Here are the eight questions I wish I'd asked (and now always ask), plus a bonus Question 0 that every expat needs to know about.

0. What do you need for the credit check?

This is the question I wish I had known to ask first. Most US landlords run a credit check before approving your application, and as a new expat, you almost certainly have no US credit history. Zero. This alone can get your application rejected, even if you have plenty of money in the bank.

Ask the landlord upfront what they require: some will accept a larger security deposit (two or three months instead of one), a letter from your employer, or bank statements showing sufficient funds. A few will accept an international credit report. Some will not budge at all — it is better to find that out before you fall in love with a place and waste the application fee. I ended up paying a larger deposit for our first apartment, which was a small price compared to the stress of getting rejected.

1. What's the total cost, really?

The listed rent is rarely the full picture. Ask about:

• Utilities (water, electricity, gas) — are they included or separate?
• Internet — usually not included, and it can be $60-$100/month
• Parking — yes, parking often costs extra, sometimes $100-$200/month in the Bay Area
• Any other recurring fees

Also ask about the payment schedule and whether rent can increase during the lease. In my first place, I discovered a mid-lease increase clause buried in the fine print. Not fun.

2. Is it furnished or unfurnished?

Most apartments in the US come unfurnished, which is different from what I was used to in Singapore where furnished rentals are common. If it's unfurnished, budget for furniture and appliances — that first IKEA trip can easily run into thousands of dollars T.T

If it is furnished, ask about the condition and age of the furniture. "Furnished" can mean anything from brand-new to barely functional.

3. Is the neighborhood safe?

This is important, and I think expats sometimes underestimate how much neighborhoods can vary within a single city. Ask about the area, check crime statistics (many cities have this data online), and try to visit the neighborhood at different times of day if you can. I also found talking to potential neighbors really helpful — just knock on a door or chat with someone in the parking lot.

Public transportation availability matters here too, especially if you don't have a car yet (which many new expats don't).

4. What are the lease terms?

Read the fine print. I know, I know — nobody likes reading legal documents. But you need to understand:

• How long is the lease? (12 months is standard, but not universal)
• How much notice do you need to give before moving out?
• Can you sublet if your situation changes?
• What are the penalties for breaking the lease early?

Think of it like buying a car — you would not just look at the sticker price and sign. You would check the financing terms, the warranty fine print, and the maintenance costs. Same principle applies to leases :)

5. Is it pet-friendly?

If you have or plan to get a pet, ask this upfront. Many places require additional deposits or monthly fees for pets. Some have breed or size restrictions. Finding out after you've signed that your apartment doesn't allow your dog is a terrible situation to be in.

6. What about parking?

If you have a car (or plan to get one), ask about on-site parking, the cost, and whether it's covered or open. In the Bay Area, a covered parking spot can feel like a luxury. If you don't have a car, ask about nearby public transit options and whether the location is walkable for daily errands.

7. What's nearby?

Think about your daily life. How close are grocery stores, restaurants, your office, Sophie's school? I made the mistake of prioritizing apartment features over location convenience with our first place. Having a nice kitchen doesn't help much if the nearest grocery store is a 20-minute drive.

8. Any specific needs?

This is the catch-all. Do you need specific appliances (like a washer/dryer in-unit)? Do you need accessibility features? Is there enough storage? A balcony or outdoor space? Think about what matters for your specific family situation and ask about it before signing.

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I think the biggest lesson from my apartment hunting experience is: slow down. The pressure to find a place quickly is real (especially with a kid), but rushing into a lease you haven't fully vetted can cost you a lot of money and stress down the line. From my experience, it's better to stay in temporary housing for an extra week or two than to lock yourself into a year-long lease you'll regret.

What was your apartment hunting experience like as an expat? Any questions you'd add to this list?

Cheers,

Chandler

P.S. I created a group on Facebook called Asian Expats in the US where we share tips like this. Feel free to join.