Rental Guide for an Apartment or Room in the USA – PolonAds

Welcome to PolonAds.com! We've prepared a comprehensive guide to help you safely and effectively find an apartment or room for rent in the United States. We'll walk you through where to search for listings, what the typical rental prices are in cities with large Polish communities (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami), which documents are worth preparing, what a standard lease agreement looks like, and what to watch out for to avoid scams. Finally, we’ll also showcase some recommended listings from our platform. Good luck with your search — and happy reading!

How to search for an apartment or room

• Online platforms: The most popular real estate websites include Zillow, Apartments.com, Realtor.com, and Craigslist. They allow you to filter results by location, number of rooms, price, square footage, and more. Most landlords and agencies post their rental listings on these platforms. It’s a good idea to set up alerts and check regularly for new offers.

   

• Facebook groups: In cities with large Polish communities, you’ll find Polish-language groups (e.g., “Polonia in New York,” “Poles in Chicago,” or “Poles in the USA – Apartments”). Members often share listings or look for roommates. Browsing these groups can help you find offers outside the main platforms and connect with Polish-speaking landlords.

   

• Real estate agencies and brokers: Rental agencies are common in the U.S. A broker can help you find a place that meets your needs — especially in cities with high tenant turnover. However, keep in mind that brokers often charge a fee. In New York, for example, tenants may have to pay a commission equal to one month’s rent. Make sure to confirm any fees in advance.

   

• Local sources and Polish-language websites: You can also check local classifieds and Polish community newspapers — some of them publish rental listings. Of course, we also encourage you to browse PolonAds.com — our listings are tailored specifically for the Polish community and include apartments and rooms in the U.S. with descriptions in Polish.

Typical rental prices in Polish-American cities

Rent depends on the location, square footage, and overall condition of the apartment. Below are the median rental rates in some of the largest Polish-American communities:

• New York City (NYC): The median rent is around $2,800 per month. In practice, a typical one-bedroom apartment often costs around $3,000 or more in the most desirable neighborhoods.
• Chicago: The median rent is approximately $1,775. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,935.
• Los Angeles: The median rent is about $2,333, while the average for a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,167.
• Miami: Rental prices are high, with a median around $3,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is roughly $2,162.

For comparison, rental prices in smaller U.S. cities are significantly lower. Rooms for rent in shared apartments are usually several hundred dollars cheaper than renting an entire unit. For example, in New York City or Miami, rooms often cost between $1,000 and $1,800 per month, depending on the neighborhood and standard. In Chicago, renting a room can range from around $800 to $1,200.

A landlord or rental agency typically requires tenants to provide several basic documents and pieces of information:

• Proof of identity: A passport (for foreign nationals) or a U.S. driver's license/state ID.
• Proof of income: This may include recent pay stubs, a tax return (W-2 or PIT), or bank statements. Landlords often check whether the tenant’s income is at least 2–3 times the monthly rent.
• References: A letter of recommendation from a previous landlord or a letter from your employer confirming your job. It's helpful to have contact information ready for people who can vouch for your reliability.
• Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN: Most rental applications require an SSN to run a credit check. If you don’t have one, landlords may ask for alternative documentation or request a larger security deposit.
• Rental application: Many landlords and agencies require tenants to complete a form with personal information, employment history, and consent for a credit check. A small application fee is typically charged when submitting the form (usually $20–$50).
• Security deposit: Usually equivalent to one or two months’ rent, paid before moving in. This deposit is refundable at the end of the lease, minus any repair costs beyond normal wear and tear. Make sure to clarify and document the terms for deposit return in the lease.

It’s best to be well-prepared — the more complete and credible your documentation, the greater your chances of securing a rental quickly. Foreign tenants without U.S. credit history are often required to have a guarantor or pay a higher deposit.

Lease agreement – key clauses and important considerations

A standard rental agreement in the U.S. is usually based on a fixed 12-month lease, although shorter terms (e.g., 6 months) or month-to-month leases are also available. Before signing any lease, pay close attention to the following:

• Lease duration and terms: If it’s a fixed-term lease (e.g., 12 months), it typically ends automatically after that period. In many states, breaking the lease early could make you liable for the remaining rent or an early termination fee. Month-to-month leases usually require 30 days’ notice (depending on state law). Always check the notice period and any exceptions.
• Security deposit: The lease should clearly state the amount of the deposit and the terms of its return. Typically, the deposit equals one or two months’ rent. In most states, landlords are required to return the deposit (minus any repair costs) within a specific timeframe after the lease ends—usually 21–30 days. Make sure the lease outlines when and how the deposit will be returned. It’s also wise to take photos of the apartment when you move in as proof of its initial condition.
• Responsibility for maintenance and repairs: Generally, landlords handle major repairs (e.g., plumbing, roofing, HVAC), while tenants are responsible for minor repairs and basic upkeep. Some leases may also require tenants to change air filters or light bulbs. Check who pays for utilities—tenants often pay separately for electricity, gas, and internet, even if the rent doesn't include them.
• Renter’s insurance: Many landlords require tenants to carry renters insurance, which covers your belongings and, in some cases, liability for damage. This insurance is relatively inexpensive (a few hundred dollars per year) and worth discussing before signing the lease.
• Subletting and roommates: Most leases prohibit subletting without the landlord’s written permission. If you plan to live with someone long-term (like a roommate), ensure it’s stated in the lease or that you obtain written approval. Violating this clause may lead to eviction or termination of the lease.
• Other fees and clauses: Read carefully any sections on late rent fees, pet deposits, cleaning fees, and more. Pay close attention to the rent due date (often the 1st of each month) and the penalties for late payments. Any additional conditions should be clearly outlined in the lease.
• Final tip: Always read the entire document—ideally with a lawyer or someone fluent in English—and make sure all agreements (e.g., move-in date, meter readings, number of keys) are written into the lease. Never sign a blank or incomplete lease.

Safety – how to avoid rental scams

Unfortunately, rental scams do happen. To minimize the risk:

• Never pay upfront without a signed lease: Scammers often post attractive listings and ask for a deposit or rent “in advance” (e.g., via Western Union, MoneyGram, or international wire transfers). Don’t trust such requests! Before sending any money, visit the property in person (or ask someone you trust to verify it) and sign a proper lease. Without that, you should never pay anything.
• Verify the landlord or agent: Make sure the person you're communicating with is the actual property owner or an authorized agent. You can check this using local property records (e.g., city property appraiser websites) or by contacting the building management directly (e.g., building manager or superintendent). Never rely solely on email or phone correspondence without additional verification.
• Be cautious of suspiciously low prices: Listings far below market rates are a red flag. If a luxury apartment in a prime location seems way too cheap, it’s likely a scam (often using stolen photos from other listings). Compare the price with similar properties in the area.
• Use secure payment methods: Always use traceable and secure forms of payment. Bank checks (rent checks) or direct bank transfers are the safest. Avoid wire services, cash-on-delivery, or cryptocurrency. After paying a deposit or rent, request a written receipt from the landlord or agency.
• In-person or video tours: Try to meet the landlord in person when viewing the apartment. If that’s not possible, schedule a video call to take a virtual tour. Make sure the property actually exists — check the address using tools like Google Street View and verify that the listing details match reality.
• Beware of side agreements: Don’t sign any unofficial or extra documents like promissory notes or personal loan contracts that could legally bind you in other ways. All conditions should be clearly outlined in the official lease agreement.

By following these precautions, you can reduce the risk of losing money to fraudulent listings. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local consulate or ask for advice on immigrant or expat forums.

Polecane ogłoszenia

Poniżej kilka przykładowych ofert z bazy PolonAds.com (mieszkania i pokoje w USA):

• Nowy Jork (Brooklyn – Greenpoint): 1-pokojowe mieszkanie, umeblowane, czynsz $2 600/mies. (w cenie woda, wyłączony prąd).
  
  

• Chicago (Lincoln Park): 2-pokojowe mieszkanie, 55 m², odświeżone, czynsz $1 800/mies. (blisko przystanku, dobra komunikacja).
  
  

• Los Angeles (Glendale): pokój jednoosobowy w 3-pokojowym apartamencie, umeblowany, czynsz $1 200/mies. (w pobliżu sklepów, bezpłatne parking).
  
  

• Miami (Downtown Miami): nowoczesny apartament 1-sypialnia, wysoki standard, czynsz $2 200/mies. (blisko plaży i centrum, fitness w budynku).
  
  

Sprawdź więcej aktualnych ofert na PolonAds.com – w zakładce „Wynajem” na pewno znajdziesz nieruchomość dopasowaną do Twoich potrzeb!

Podsumowanie

Wynajem mieszkania lub pokoju w USA wymaga czasu, uważności i dobrej organizacji. Zacznij od sprawdzenia popularnych portali i grup polonijnych, przygotuj wszystkie niezbędne dokumenty (dowód tożsamości, potwierdzenie dochodów, referencje) i dokładnie przeczytaj umowę przed jej podpisaniem. Zwracaj uwagę na zapisy dotyczące depozytu, okresu najmu i odpowiedzialności za naprawy. Unikaj płacenia czegokolwiek z góry bez zabezpieczenia umową – to najlepsza ochrona przed oszustwem. Życzymy powodzenia w poszukiwaniach! Nie zapomnij też regularnie zaglądać na PolonAds.com, gdzie na bieżąco pojawiają się nowe oferty mieszkań i pokoi do wynajęcia w USA. Powodzenia w znalezieniu wymarzonego lokum!

Źródła: Dane o przeciętnych cenach najmu pochodzą z serwisów Zillow i Apartments.com (stan na 2025 rok) . Pozostałe informacje opracowano na podstawie aktualnych praktyk rynkowych i porad ekspertów ds. wynajmu nieruchomości.