Free tools for international students to spot rental scams, understand a U.S. lease and get your deposit back
What you can do here
Free, private, no sign-up
Students renting from abroad are a top target. The owner is “overseas”, you can't tour, and they want money wired today.
Paste the listing or the landlord's message. We point out the scam warning signs before you pay anything.
U.S. leases are full of legal English like “joint and several”, “guarantor” and “holdover”.
Add your lease and we highlight unusual or unfair clauses in plain English. Look up any confusing term in the dictionary.
Internet, trash, amenity fees and insurance can add hundreds on top of the rent. “Utilities included” may mean only water.
Enter the rent and every fee. We show your true monthly total, and can split it fairly between roommates.
Your landlord must return it by your state's deadline, even if you've flown home.
Build a dated photo record on move-out day, then create a demand letter with your state's deadline. It works from anywhere.
Tools get you organized. These folks can advise you
It can be, if the landlord or property manager is verifiable, you've seen a lease, and you pay in a traceable way. Wiring money, gift cards or crypto to someone you can't verify is how most students get scammed.
No. Status questions belong with your school's international student office. We only cover the renting part.
No. Everything is free, needs no account, and most tools run in your browser.
Independent and free. Not affiliated with any university. No legal or visa advice. Last reviewed September 2026. Run a group for these renters and want something changed? Tell us
Educational information, not legal advice - figures are general and laws change. How we keep this accurate & where to verify → · Spot an error? Tell us →