When you choose a place, you fill out an application. The landlord checks it and decides whether to rent to you.
Application fee: often about $30 to $100 per adult, to pay for the checks. Usually not refunded.
Holding deposit: some landlords take money to take the unit off the market while they decide. Ask in writing if it is refunded when you are denied and if it is counted toward your rent.
Some states limit application fees. This differs by state.
Credit check: your US credit report and score. Without an SSN or US history, there may be no report at all. This is not "bad credit", it is "no credit", and many landlords have a way around it.
Background check: criminal records and past evictions (being forced to leave a rental by a court).
Income: many landlords want monthly income of about 3 times the rent. For $1,500 rent, that is $4,500 a month before tax. Some ask for 2.5x, some for more. This is a business rule, not a law.
Rental history: past landlords may be called.
These checks are often done by a tenant screening company. That report counts as a consumer report, so you have rights under federal law.
Documents to prepare (scan them now)
Passport and visa, and your I-94.
SSN or ITIN if you have one. Some landlords accept applications without one; ask.
Proof of income: job offer letter, pay stubs, employer letter, scholarship or funding letter (I-20 financial information for students), bank statements.
Proof of savings, if you have little income yet.
Past landlord's name and contact, even from your home country.
A reference letter from an employer or school.
If the landlord turns you down because of a screening report, they must give you an adverse action notice with the screening company's name and contact.
Ask the screening company for a free copy of your report within 60 days.
If something is wrong (someone else's eviction, a wrong name), dispute it with that company. They usually have 30 days to investigate.
If it is not fixed, you can complain to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov.
Landlords may not reject you because of your national origin, race, color, religion, sex, family status or disability. See the guide on tenant rights.
Applying to many places at once and paying many fees. Ask first what they require and whether you qualify.
Giving your SSN or passport scan to someone you have not confirmed is a real landlord.