Listing apps and websites: Zillow, Apartments.com, Realtor.com, Redfin, HotPads, Trulia and Craigslist. Filter by price, bedrooms, pets, laundry and move-in date.

Complex websites: big complexes list their own units, prices and specials.

Driving around: "For Rent" signs on small buildings and houses.

University housing offices and international student offices often keep lists.

Facebook groups for your city or community. Be extra careful about scams here.

Rental agents (realtors): in most places renters do not pay them. In some big cities, a broker fee may be charged. Ask before you work with one.

Total monthly cost: rent, plus parking, pets, trash, water, internet, and any "amenity" or "technology" fee.

Move-in costs: application fee, holding deposit, security deposit, first month's rent.

Lease length and start date.

Which utilities you pay.

What they need from you if you have no US credit history or SSN.

In person with a leasing agent or landlord. Best choice.

Self-guided: you unlock the door with an app after uploading ID. Common for houses owned by companies. Check the company is real before you upload anything.

Video tour: the agent walks through on a live video call. Ask them to open cabinets, run the shower, show the view from the windows, and walk outside to the street sign so you see the real address.

If you are not in the city yet, ask a friend or coworker to visit for you.

Water pressure and hot water: run the shower and kitchen tap.

Signs of leaks or mold: stains on ceilings, under sinks, musty smell.

Signs of pests: droppings in cabinets, dead insects.

Heating and air conditioning: ask what type and turn them on.

Windows lock, doors lock, smoke detectors present.

Phone signal inside.

Where the laundry, trash, mailbox and parking are.

Which unit you will actually get. The model unit may be nicer than yours. Ask to see the real unit or one like it.

Paying anything before you have seen the place or confirmed the landlord is real.

Judging only from photos taken with a wide lens. Ask for the floor plan with room sizes.

Not asking about move-in specials ("6 weeks free") and how they work.