How we verify every room
iHousing isn’t a listings board where anyone can post. Every room on this site is in a unit our company operates — which means we’ve stood in it, photographed it, and set its real price ourselves.
You rent directly from us
There’s no third-party landlord, no broker, and no middleman anywhere in the process. The team you message on WhatsApp is the same team that signs your lease and hands you the keys — and the same team you call if anything breaks.
What happens before a room goes live
In-person walkthrough
Our team inspects the actual room and building — condition, safety, the block it’s on, and the real commute to campus.
Photos taken on-site
Every listing photo is taken by us, in that exact room. No stock photos, no renders, no “similar units.”
Real price, real availability
The rent you see is the rent you pay. When a room is taken, it comes off the site the same day.
Renting with iHousing vs. a typical listings site
Most rental scams happen on open listing boards where anyone can post a room. Renting directly from us works differently.
| iHousing | Typical listing / broker | |
|---|---|---|
| Who owns the room | A unit our company operates | Often an anonymous “landlord” |
| Broker fee | None — ever | Frequently a month’s rent or more |
| Deposit | Never collected through this site | Wire transfer asked for upfront |
| Seeing the room | Free in-person or live video tour first | “Pay to hold it” before you can view |
| Who you deal with | The team that signs your lease | A middleman you may never meet |
What you’ll never pay on iHousing
No broker fees — ever.
No deposit or rent collected through the website.
No charge for viewings — in-person viewings are free.
No application or “holding” fee just to see a room.
How to spot a rental scam — on any site
Use this checklist everywhere, not just here. If a listing asks you to do any of these, walk away.
The “landlord” won’t do an in-person or live video viewing.
You’re pressured to wire a deposit to hold a room you haven’t seen.
The price is far below market for that neighborhood.
Payment is requested by gift card, crypto, or an untraceable transfer.
The photos look like stock images or are copied from another listing.
On iHousing, you’ll never be asked to do any of these.
You see it before you commit
We arrange a free in-person viewing — or a live video tour if you’re still abroad — before you sign anything. You will never be asked to pay to “hold” a room you haven’t seen.
Questions students ask before they commit
Is iHousing legit, or is this a scam?
iHousing is legit. Every room is in a unit our company operates, you can see it in person or on a live video call before you commit, and you never pay a deposit through this website.
Do I have to pay a deposit online?
No. We never collect deposits or rent through the site. Any payment happens later, directly with our team, after you’ve seen the room and signed a lease.
Can I see the room before I pay anything?
Always. We set up a free in-person viewing, or a live video tour if you’re still abroad. You’ll never be asked to pay to “hold” a room you haven’t seen.
I’m still in my home country — how do I know the room is real?
Every photo is taken on-site in that exact room, and we’ll walk you through it live on video so you can see it for yourself and ask questions in real time.
Who is the landlord?
We are. There’s no third-party landlord or broker — the team you message on WhatsApp is the same team that signs your lease and manages the unit.
Are there any hidden fees?
No broker fee and no charge to view a room. The rent shown on each listing is the rent you pay.
A registered company — not an anonymous post
Here’s exactly who you’re renting from. Feel free to look us up — and have your parents check too.
International Housing NYC Inc. · 289 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10454 · [email protected]Questions? A real person replies the same day.
Send us a message before you decide anything — no pressure, no obligation, and no fee to ask.