Can I rent without a credit score?

Yes, but be ready to prove your income (Offer Letter) and provide a larger deposit or a co-signer.

What is the rent for a 1-bedroom in Silicon Valley?

Expect to pay between $2,800 and $3,500. It's one of the most expensive markets in the world.

Can H-1B holders buy a house?

Absolutely. If you meet the H-1B requirements 2025 and have a stable job, banks will lend to you, though they may ask for a larger down payment.

How much income do I need to buy a home?

For an average $800k home, you need a household income of roughly $200k+, assuming a 20% down payment.

What is the security deposit limit in California?

As of November 2025, landlords cannot charge more than ONE month's rent as a security deposit.

Will the $100,000 H-1B fee affect my ability to buy?

Indirectly. If employers pass the rumored $100000 H-1B fee onto employees via lower salary offers, your borrowing power decreases.

What is Rent Control?

State law (AB 1482) limits annual rent increases to 5% + inflation (max 10%). Always check if your building qualifies.

Does the H-1B cap 2025 impact housing prices?

The H-1B cap 2025 restricts the inflow of workers. Fewer high-income renters *might* soften the market slightly, but California's housing shortage is chronic.

What documents do I need to rent?

Passport, Offer Letter (proof of income), Bank Statements. Having a specialty occupation visa 2025 helps prove professional stability.

How do I find out how to get H-1B visa 2025 home loans?

Contact lenders specializing in "Foreign National Loans." Major banks like HSBC or Wells Fargo are good starting points.

California Real Estate 2025: Renting, Buying, and the H-1B Housing Hustle

Alex Drill

Author

November 23, 2025

Moving to Cali? Navigate the housing market without a credit score. Learn how H-1B visa 2025 changes (Trump restrictions, fees) impact buying a home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this topic.

Sources

References and sources used in this article.

Zillow Research - California Rental Datahttps://www.zillow.com/research

California Department of Real Estate - Tenant Guidehttps://landlordtenant.dre.ca.gov

NerdWallet - Mortgage Calculatorshttps://www.nerdwallet.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent without a credit score?

What is the rent for a 1-bedroom in Silicon Valley?

Can H-1B holders buy a house?

How much income do I need to buy a home?

What is the security deposit limit in California?

Will the $100,000 H-1B fee affect my ability to buy?

What is Rent Control?

Does the H-1B cap 2025 impact housing prices?

What documents do I need to rent?

How do I find out how to get H-1B visa 2025 home loans?

Sources

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Move to California 2025: H-1B Visa Changes, Costs & Trump Restrictions

California Cost of Living 2025: Taxes, Hidden Fees, and H-1B Visa Reality Check

California’s Hidden Fees 2025: The "Junk Fee" Survival Guide for Newcomers & H-1B Workers