October 6, 2021

This Fact Sheet is designed for landlords who are interested in the possibility of renting property to refugees, asylees and asylum seekers and who would like additional information before making a decision to do so. Click here to download this page as a PDF to easily print and share.

HOW WILL REFUGEES, ASYLEES AND/OR AFGHAN ASYLUM SEEKERS AFFORD TO PAY A DEPOSIT AND MONTHLY RENT?

All refugees, asylees and Afghan asylum seekers receive government benefits to cover partial rent through TANF/CalWORKs until they are employed. In addition, each refugee and each Afghan asylum seeker receives from $1,025 to $1,200 as a one-time resettlement grant to pay for deposits and rent.

HOW WILL REFUGEES/ASYLEES/ASYLUM SEEKERS FIND A JOB?

All refugees, asylees and Afghan asylum seekers are given the right to work by the US government. It is the responsibility of the International Institute of Los Angeles to provide the skills, tools and contacts to assist at least one member of each household to get a job as quickly as possible. As a landlord, you receive a tenant who is well connected with their new community and is receiving case management support and translation services.

WHAT IF THEY CANNOT PASS THE CREDIT CHECK?

Because refugees, asylees or asylum seekers are newly arrived into the country, they will not have a credit history. The Department of Homeland Security and other national security agencies have completed exhaustive background checks of each person. The overwhelming majority of refugees, asylees and asylum seekers have left careers, businesses and professional lives behind in their home country. Their biggest desire is to become successful once again in their new country and to be as self-sufficient as soon as possible.

WILL THERE BE A CO-SIGNER?

Many refugees, asylees and asylum seekers will not have a co-signer. Unfortunately, IILA is not able to take on that responsibility. Again, as stated above, the overwhelming majority of refugees, asylees and asylum seekers have left careers, businesses and professional lives behind in their home country. Their biggest desire is to become successful once again in their new country and to be as self-sufficient as soon as possible. Refugees, asylees and asylum seekers have a strong desire to create a home; they are trained by IILA Case Management staff in maintaining an apartment and understanding a lease.

By agreeing to rent to a refugee, asylee or asylum seeker, you are making a huge difference in the life of a family who has endured great hardship. Please help us to help them so that they can begin the path to a new life of dignity and self-sufficiency. For more information or to rent to a family, please contact: Hasmik Ktoian at HKtoian@iilosangeles.org or at (818) 639-9004.

THANK YOU!!