Quick answer · Students
Most Boston leases turn over at the beginning of September, so start looking well before you arrive and plan for a September 1 start. Without a Social Security number or US credit history, apply with your admission letter or I-20, proof of funds such as bank statements or a scholarship letter, and a guarantor: a US co-signer, your school’s or employer’s guaranty program, or a guarantor company. Massachusetts law caps what any landlord can require before move-in at first month’s rent, last month’s rent, a security deposit of up to one month and the cost of a new lock.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Check the official sources linked here, and ask your school’s international office about your own case. Last checked: November 3, 2026.
The City of Boston’s moving guide says most leases in Boston turn over at the beginning of September, which matches the academic year.
Official sources
An F-1 student can get a Social Security number only with an on-campus job, CPT or OPT, so most new students arrive without one, and without a US credit score. Landlords who rent near campuses see this every year. Instead of a credit report, bring:
Guaranty programs Some employers and schools guarantee leases for their students, trainees and staff. Every rental Benjamin Realty lists accepts Mass General Brigham’s lease guaranty. Ask your school’s international or graduate housing office what it offers.
You don’t need an ITIN to rent an apartment. Your US credit history starts with the first accounts you open here in your own name.
Official sources
At or before the start of a tenancy, a Massachusetts landlord or the landlord’s agent may require only first month’s rent, last month’s rent, a security deposit no larger than one month’s rent, and the cost of a new lock and key. Once you’re living there, a landlord may not demand rent in advance beyond the current month.
An example Three students share a three-bedroom at $4,500 a month, $1,500 each. Before move-in, the most each can be asked for is $4,500 (first month, last month and the deposit), plus a share of the lock change.
Official sources
| Area | Per bedroom | Apartments |
|---|---|---|
| Allston | $1,400 | 128 |
| Brighton | $1,400 | 188 |
| Mission Hill | $1,600 | 134 |
| Fenway | $2,745 | 78 |
| Jamaica Plain | $1,433 | 93 |
| Dorchester | $1,150 | 168 |
| East Boston | $1,473 | 71 |
| Cambridge | $1,925 | 377 |
| Somerville | $1,450 | 214 |
| Brookline | $1,843 | 246 |
| Medford | $1,233 | 116 |
| Newton | $1,550 | 154 |
Rent ÷ bedrooms, so a shared apartment’s cost for each roommate before utilities. One- and two-bedroom rents by town are in our relocation guide. To compare places by commute: the Green Line B branch runs along Commonwealth Avenue through Allston and Brighton, the E branch along Huntington Avenue to Mission Hill, the Red Line links Cambridge, Somerville and Dorchester, and the Orange Line runs through Jamaica Plain.
Official sources
In Boston a moving-truck permit isn’t required, but it guarantees a legal parking spot. Online, apply at least 15 days and no more than eight weeks before your move; a one-day permit for two non-metered spaces costs $69. From August 31 to September 2, the City blocks off some common moving locations for truck drop-offs that need no permit.
Official sources
Ask for a tour from any listing on our site, from wherever you are. When the landlord hired us, you pay us nothing, and we tell you in writing who hired us and who pays us before you sign a lease. Our agents work in English; our guides for students from India and other countries explain the rest in detail.
Most Boston leases turn over at the beginning of September, so plan for a September 1 start and begin months ahead: as soon as you have an admission letter and proof of funds you can apply from abroad.
Yes. Most new F-1 students have neither, so many landlords accept an I-20 or admission letter, proof of funds and a guarantor or co-signer instead. You don’t need an ITIN to rent.
Not as a requirement. Before move-in a Massachusetts landlord may require only first month’s rent, last month’s rent, a security deposit of up to one month and the lock cost (M.G.L. c.186 §15B).
Not to a broker the landlord hired. Since August 1, 2025, whoever hires the broker pays the fee.
On November 3, 2026, apartments with two or more bedrooms on our site asked a median of about $1,400 per bedroom in Allston and Brighton, $1,450 in Somerville, $1,600 in Mission Hill and $1,925 in Cambridge, before utilities.
Call or email and a Benjamin Realty agent will get back to you.
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