There is no credit history in the U.S. This is the first hurdle that newcomers face when looking to rent in Kahului. Since there is no score, property management companies have no basis for judgment.

Let's start by checking the rent prices. According to Apartments.com, the average for a one-bedroom is $2,179. ApartmentHomeLiving estimates a range from $1,741 to $2,510, with an average of $2,282, which is a bit broader. Due to the characteristics of Maui, rent prices are relatively high, comparable to Oahu.

With this level of rent, the required credit score is also high. The baseline is between 620 and 650, and conditions improve with scores of 680 and above. If there is absolutely no credit history, that presents a separate issue outside of these criteria.

There are three main things to check. First, is there documentation that can substitute for credit history? Second, can you find a cosigner? Third, can you afford the cost of rent guarantee insurance? If you have even one of these three prepared, you can apply.

For documentation to substitute for credit history, services like Nova Credit can help. They convert credit records from Korea into a U.S. report. Not all property management companies accept this yet, so it's best to ask beforehand.

A cosigner is the most common method. A family member or friend with stable income can sign for you. If finding a cosigner is difficult, consider rent guarantee insurance from companies like The Guarantors or Insurent. The cost typically ranges from 4.5% to 10% of the annual rent.

Another option is to pay several months' rent in advance. This shows cash reserves instead of credit history. Some property management companies prefer this method.

Also, check Hawaii's deposit regulations. The maximum is one month's rent. If you have a pet, they may require an additional month's rent. The return deadline is 14 days after moving out. If this deadline is exceeded, the management company must return the deposit.

Be aware of screening fees as well. Starting May 2024, charging more than the actual cost is prohibited. Any leftover amount must be refunded within 30 days. It's a good idea to keep receipts.

In addition to credit scores, other factors are also considered. Is your monthly income three times the rent? Do you have previous rental history? Are there any issues in the background check? If you have no credit history, you should ensure that these other factors are solidly prepared.

If you are moving to Maui from the mainland or Korea, keep in mind that the cost of living and shipping expenses are higher due to the island's characteristics. If you want to know about school districts preferred by Korean families, refer to GreatSchools ratings, but it's safer to check the district boundaries by address directly.

Based on a rent of $2,179, the income requirement is roughly $6,500 or more. If calculated with the average of $2,282 from ApartmentHomeLiving, it exceeds $6,800. If you cannot meet this income requirement without a cosigner or guarantee insurance, it will be difficult to qualify.

If you have no credit report at all, there is no need to check the report itself, but if it has been a few months since you started financial activities in the U.S., check if you can get a free report from AnnualCreditReport.com. If you can access it, even a low score is better than having no history at all for the application process.

Kahului tends to have properties that are quickly taken due to its proximity to the airport and commercial areas. If you apply without a credit history, it is advantageous to prepare as many documents as possible in advance to provide the management company with as much basis for judgment as possible. Basic documents like proof of income, previous rental receipts, and bank balance statements are good to have ready.

Having no credit history is not a deduction but simply a blank space. If you prepare just one of a cosigner, guarantee insurance, or prepaid rent, that blank can be filled. This article is not legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before finalizing any contracts.