What to Expect When Renting Your First Home in a New Country: guarantor requirements and income checks

Quick Takeaways

Expect to provide a local phone number and address before signing a lease or securing housing

Answer

When renting your first home in a new country, expect common hurdles like guarantor requirements and income verification. Landlords often want proof of stable income or a local guarantor to reduce their risk. You may face delays due to paperwork, official document translation, or slower verification processes. Typical steps include submitting proof of income, references, and sometimes a deposit or advance rent.

Income checks frequently require pay slips, bank statements, or employment contracts.
Guarantors are often locals or residents with good credit and stable income.
Delays in your application process can stem from time zone differences if your documents need employer/foreign checks.

Week 1 Failure Points When Renting Abroad

No local guarantor ready — many landlords insist on one if your credit history abroad is unavailable.
Income documents not translated or certified — this can stall approval.
Bank statements or pay slips that don’t match local format — landlords or agencies may reject these.
Not having a local phone number or address — some landlords want local contact information before signing leases.
Assuming deposits are refundable or standards match home country — deposits and fees vary widely. For example, a renter in Spain found their UK payslips needed official translation and an apostille, adding a week to the process. Without a Spanish guarantor or additional deposits, approval was unlikely.

Documents, Timing, and Common Setup Challenges

Prepare: valid passport, visa or residency permit, employment proof, income documents, and references.
Ask landlords or agencies early about their guarantor and income check expectations.
Set aside 1–3 weeks for verification; faster only if documents are perfect and a guarantor is local.
Deposit requirements can vary significantly—expect upfront costs equal to 1–3 months rent. Timing is critical. For example, in Germany, landlords typically request SCHUFA credit reports and local guarantors unless you provide larger upfront payments. Missing these details can cost you a rental opportunity.

Checklist: What to Check Before Applying

Does the landlord require a guarantor? If yes, clarify if it must be local or if a foreign guarantor is accepted.
Gather proof of income matching local norms (pay slips, contracts, bank statements) and check if translation is needed.
Confirm what documents need official certification or apostilles.
Understand deposit and fee structures, including whether deposits are refundable and timeline for payout.
Check if a local phone number or local address is required for communication or contract signing.
Know typical lease start dates and if rent must be paid before moving in.

FAQ

Q: Can I rent without a local guarantor? — Sometimes, but often you’ll need a larger deposit or a co-signer with local credit.
Q: What counts as valid income proof? — Usually pay slips, bank statements, or employment contracts; requirements vary by country.
Q: How long does income verification take? — Generally 1–3 weeks depending on document completeness and landlord processes.
Q: Are deposits always refundable? — Not always; read the lease terms carefully as countries vary on deposit protections.
Q: Can digital or scanned documents be accepted? — Some landlords accept them temporarily, but originals or certified copies are often required before signing.

Bottom line

Expect guarantor requirements and income checks to be key friction points when renting abroad. Preparing the right documents, understanding local landlord expectations, and allowing time for verification help avoid early rejection. Focus on getting translations, verifying deposit policies, and securing a guarantor or extra financial proof if needed.

Sources

International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Expat Insider by InterNations
OECD Migration Policies
National Tenancy Laws by Country
World Bank Doing Business Reports