You may have heard this already, but most companies look for 3-times the monthly rent for "income verification," and they base it off your gross (pre-tax/deductions).

Some companies can accept other forms of verification-- you typically have to ask and see if the manager/owner approves. Some companies accept bank statements, loan documentation, grants/stipends, etc.

There's also the possibility of a co-signer, if you're comfortable and able to ask anyone.

IDK of any companies, but a few private landlords don't ask for any of that. You typically get what you "pay" for in those situations though...

Hope this helps!

Even being able to provide a bank statement would be enough for me. Maybe I may have some luck finding a place that takes instead.

Can't you just offer to pay a larger security deposit or pay some rent in advance?

To be honest I've never tried that, or thought apartment complexes worked with that. But hey doesn't hurt to try

Most landlords and lessors just want money. They don't care where it comes form most of the time, just that it will keep coming. Maybe offer first and last month's rent plus a security deposit that equals a month's rent to start. Then just add a month of rent from there until they say yes. If they don't, try someone else. Private and small landlords are even more likely to say yes than the larger ones.

These options are limited at the state level. Landlords are only allowed to ask for up to 2 month’s rent equivalent as security deposit. In general, this limitation is a good thing.

They don't care where it comes from until it's a voucher.

Ok, yes, that is a true exception.

from my experience it was much easier to get a job before moving. My entire application process was online and my interviews were virtual as well. I don’t see any reason why it would be that hard to get a job lined up before you move as long as you tell your potential employer you will definitely relocate upon being offered the job. Then just show any potential landlord the job offer letter. I suppose you could do it the other way around but it just seems a lot more difficult to me. Depending on your line of work there may be cases where you’re correct that it’s easier to find a job after relocating but I think most fields have online systems set up now since the pandemic kind of forced it.

I've definitely found that to be more of the case in fields that are more in demand or for positions that are higher up the chain. I haven't had much luck securing an offer from out of state, so was just considering moving beforehand instead.