renting an apartment in the u.s. - credit checks for canadians?

[Holly&Frank 0]

Hi there,

I'm filing for a K-1 and I have my interview mid-December but we are looking for apartments for January 1 now. The landlord at the house that we love has asked for a credit check. Has anyone else had this experience before actually moving and getting an SSN? Can he do a Canadian credit check on me? I'm just trying to make it as easy as possible for the guy so I look like a great tenant

Thanks!

[Inky 1,110]

You could ask them and see if they will do a Canadian credit check for you instead of a US one, but from my experience they generally give 2 shits about your other countrys credit and only want to see american credit for apartments/homes.

No harm in asking them to try though!

[Flames9_RN 358]

Yes ours did---so they used my wifes credit history!! Same goes if u decide to buy a house---if the USA spouse has enough $$$$ and credit history, they can just use the USA citizens info on the mortgage,BUT put u on the deed!!! I was still listed on the apartment documents, they just didnt use my credit history--which back then was none!!

[Holly&Frank 0]

Huh, interesting. The landlord just got back to me and said that he would just do my U.S fiance's credit check. I worked so hard for awesome credit here in Canada, now it's worthless!

Hopefully his is good enough for the both of us!

Thanks for the input.

[SapphireDreams 71]

We just used my husband's credit when we got our apartment. The only negative is that only his name is on the lease, which is annoying for Removing conditions.

[Kimbear 53]

Hi there,

I'm filing for a K-1 and I have my interview mid-December but we are looking for apartments for January 1 now. The landlord at the house that we love has asked for a credit check. Has anyone else had this experience before actually moving and getting an SSN? Can he do a Canadian credit check on me? I'm just trying to make it as easy as possible for the guy so I look like a great tenant

Thanks!

We had to get David's father to co-sign for us as they outright refused to even put me on the lease unless we had a co--signer. they tried to do a us credit check on me..even charged me for it..

We just used my husband's credit when we got our apartment. The only negative is that only his name is on the lease, which is annoying for Removing conditions.

Luckily getting a co signer..they allowed my name on the lease. I guess its up to the landlord.

[sheeshkabelle 153]

I'm sure leaving your Canadian credit history in Canada really has to suck.

Hubby's credit there is flawless. The mortgage is in my name only, but he is on the Deed of Trust and the home owners insurance.

Capitol One offers a credit card for 'new US immigrants', RBC will use your Canadian credit history if you get a loan or credit card with them. Even then, it will take a long time to build US credit, since getting credit here is like pulling hens teeth anymore.

I was self-employed with a decent income and good credit and was denied a car loan.

Edited November 10, 2011 by sheeshkabelle

[Holly&Frank 0]

Whew, luckily the credit check went ok and the landlord approved us for the place! Very exciting to have found my first home in the U.S.

Thanks for all the responses, hopefully I can work on building good credit asap when I get down to Boston!

[Kimbear 53]

word of advice that worked for me. not long after you get your ssn# try and apply for a credit card. what this will do is create your credit file. Since you moved you dont exist and forcing a company to "ping" your name will actually create the folder / file in the credit system for you. then you can work on getting added to utilties etc. next thing you know pre apps for cap one etc will start showing up.

I did this, with a few places, chase, cap one and someone else.. i was initially refused for not having a file, then the reason changed to not having enough info to not having a long enough file. this was during my first 3 months of living in the U.S. i waited 3 months or so and got another preapp in the mail form cap one, so i did the online app and lo and behold i got a 500$ normal credit card. Just in time for christmas lol. so we put xmas gifts on it and started my credit rating.