Renting from abroad

[hippyscientist]

I've found an awesome apartment - it's within budget, pretty much all set, great location and predominantly excellent reviews online (with a few pissed off people too so I feel they're genuine reviews). I know that places in the town go really quickly so I want to reserve the place, but I don't have my visa yet, and it will be a while before I do. The leasing agents have asked only for the evidence from my school that my funding is 2.5x the rent (which it is! yay!), and I have that. Is it really stupid of me to sign the lease without having my visa?

[fuzzylogician]

It is somewhat of a risk, but not a big one if you ask me. I would worry less about that (it seems highly unlikely that there would be a problem, assuming that you are admitted to a reputable school) and more about the possibility of a scam. If possible, try to have someone local take a look a the apartment and maybe even send you pictures. I'm sure a current student would be willing to help you out. I would not sign a lease sight unseen. 

[hippyscientist]

@fuzzylogician thanks for weighing in. It was actually a recommendation of a grad student in the department who currently lives in the building and has checked out the apartment, so I'm not too concerned about the scam side of things, but it's definitely something to keep in mind for others who might have the same dilemma. 

[TakeruK]

I agree with fuzzy that the biggest risk is the housing scam (i.e. the apartment doesn't even exist, and they take your deposit and disappear). Fortunately, it sounds like this is a legit place so I think you are good to go! 

I would not worry about the visa unless you have a history of being denied visas in the past. But what are the terms of the lease? That is, is it a one-year lease where if someone bad happens and you end up not moving to the school, are you on the hook for the entire year? Or is it shorter/longer? That would factor into the risk calculation.

Another thing to consider is whether or not this is the only deal that will happen. In big apartment buildings, there are often openings almost every month. It's March now and if you are not moving until the Fall, it seems pretty far away. Also, I am surprised that the landlord is willing to sign a lease now with you for an opening that far in advance (unless the previous tenant decided to give really advance notice to move, for some reason).