Start with the decision behind your search
International students can be targeted with pressure tied to arrival dates, visa anxiety, or lack of local knowledge. A checklist slows the transaction enough to verify it without assuming every remote listing is fraudulent.
Compare options using the same criteria
Reject requests for gift cards, passwords, or codes; independently verify the unit, representative, lease, and payee; ask a school housing office for current safety resources; report threats or suspected crime to appropriate authorities.
Confirm before you commit
Ask for costs, dates, and responsibilities in writing. Availability, accepted documents, and screening vary by property and landlord. Verify the listing, authorized representative, and payment recipient before sharing documents or money. Review the Massachusetts Attorney General’s guide for tenants and seek qualified advice for individual legal questions. Share your timing and housing needs with Rita through the rental inquiry form.
