Landlords: Renting to Refugees

The IRC supports people whose lives and livelihoods have been shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control over their future. The IRC and our U.S. partners stand ready to resettle refugees, as the U.S. expects to welcome 125,000 refugees from around the world this year.

You can help your community by renting your property to these newcomers as they rebuild their lives.

Photo: Andrew Oberstadt/IRC

As one of ten national resettlement agencies in the U.S., the IRC supports newly arrived refugees by providing immediate aid, including food and shelter. Through a network of staff members and volunteers, the IRC provides access to the tools of self-reliance: housing, job placement and employment skills, clothing, medical attention, education, English language classes and community orientation.

Each resettlement office serves as a free, one-stop center for refugees’ needs during their pivotal first months in the U.S. In addition to assisting refugees integrate into communities around the U.S., the IRC’s refugee resettlement network provides comprehensive immigration legal services to support refugees and asylees on their path to becoming permanent residents and U.S. citizens.

One of the most foundational needs of refugees in the U.S. is housing.

How can I rent to a refugee?

Housing is a cornerstone for refugee families as they recover and rebuild their lives in the U.S. If you're interested in renting to refugees, fill out this quick form and a staff member near you will contact you to share more information and help you get started.

Why should I rent to refugees?

Safe housing is the essential first step for refugee families integrating into their new communities across the U.S. Renting to refugees provides the stable foundation needed as they rebuild their lives and create a sense of place. It will also expand your tenant pool and bring several benefits, including:

• Greater access to qualified potential tenants, which can contribute to fewer vacancies and shorter vacancy periods;
• Access to tenants who receive initial financial support from the IRC’s local resettlement office, as well as case management support and interpretation services, which ensures that tenants understand their leases and obligations related to maintenance, payments, security deposits, etc.;
• Support from IRC staff, who work with clients to clarify their roles and responsibilities as tenants in the event of a misunderstanding or concern;
• The opportunity to make a difference by giving refugees a safe environment, allowing them to build a rental history and establish themselves in the United States.

How does the IRC support landlords and refugee renters?

The IRC provides several housing services to our refugee clients, including:

• Matching refugees with available housing units that meet their needs and government standards;
• Supporting clients in the leasing process including explaining the terms and rules of lease agreements, how to pay rent, and providing coaching on responsibilities while respecting client’s self-determination and decision-making;
• Providing household supplies and furnishings for clients;
• Helping clients start utilities and phone services;
• Training clients on home safety, emergency procedures and general housing safety practices;
• Mediating with landlords when issues arise related to the condition and use of apartments while clients are active in IRC programming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are refugees, SIVs, parolees, asylees and asylum-seekers?

Refugees  are people who have fled their countries of origin to escape harm on account of political instability, armed conflict, or other threats of violence or persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.

Special Immigrants (SIVs) are persons who worked with the U.S. Armed Forces or under the Chief of Mission authority as a translator or interpreter or were employed by/on behalf of the U.S. Government. They have been granted permanent resident status in the U.S. through the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program.

Humanitarian Paroleesare people who are paroled for a temporary period with evidence of urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons for the beneficiary to be in the United States.

Asylees are people who, like refugees, have fled persecution in their country of nationality and who have sought and received protection after entering the United States.

Asylum-seekers are people fleeing violence or persecution who has already traveled to the host country and is applying for permission to stay but has not yet received a final decision.

How does a refugee qualify for resettlement in the United States?

To qualify for refugee resettlement in the United States, individuals must demonstrate that they have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Specially trained officers from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conduct in-person interviews to adjudicate individual requests for protection in the United States. Applicants for refugee status undergo comprehensive biometric screening and interagency security background checks before being admitted to the U.S.

How does IRC help newly arrived refugees and other displaced people?

The IRC provides case management services to newly arrived refugees, beginning upon their entry into the U.S. Initial services include housing, furnishings, food, clothing, community orientation, enrollment of school-aged children and referrals to other ongoing services for refugees’ first 30 to 90 days in the U.S. 

The IRC’s cultural orientation programming helps refugees acquire the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to life in the United States and integrate into their new communities. This programming includes a particular emphasis on learning English and finding employment to enable self-sufficiency. IRC staff also educates clients on general housing practices, home safety and emergency procedures. Our programming is delivered with cultural and language competency and interpretation is available for all refugees.

How does IRC help newly arrived refugees and other displaced people?

The IRC provides case management services to newly arrived refugees starting at the airport pick up. Initial services include housing, furnishings, food, clothing, community orientation, enrollment of school-aged children, and referrals to other ongoing services for refugees’ first 30 to 90 days in the U.S. Refugees acquire the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to life in the United States and adapt to their new communities thanks to cultural orientation provided by the IRC. This includes a particular emphasis on learning English and finding employment to enable self-sufficiency. IRC staff also educates clients on general housing and home safety practices and emergency procedures. The orientation, education and coaching are all delivered with cultural and language competency and interpretation is available for all refugees.

How do refugees pay rent and what documentation can refugees submit with their rental applications?

Refugees demonstrate perseverance, determination, and a strong desire to create healthy homes and prosperous futures. Refugees are culturally diverse and capable community members, eager to establish themselves in, and contribute to, American society.

Refugees do not arrive in the US with the documentation the average American has, such as a Social Security card, credit/rental history and employment history in the United States. However, they can provide evidence of legal status, reliable income if employed and agency support to help resolve any tenant-landlord issues that might arise.

Who do I contact if my property management staff have questions or need to communicate an issue about an IRC client staying at my rental property?

IRC case workers and housing logistics staff at your local city will assist refugees placed in your rental property. These staff are available to answer any questions and provide additional support to property management staff. Interpretation is also available through IRC. Please visit our where we work page for local contact information.