I would ask for their grade report card. Serious students are likely to be better tenants than those come here for a free rent.

I had a student from Kazakstan, and her rent was paid with a grant administered by the school.  It's sort of a leap of faith otherwise.

A security bond rather than a security deposit may be your game changer Jerry. Less expense for the tenant and shifts liability to the issuer.

I have never had a foreign student apply, though I do know that if you can afford to pay the tuition that they charge foreign students you can probably pay the year in advance too.

This would be a good subject for a blog post, Jerry Caldwell .

I don't see a way to go about getting one. If they fill out the app and you get a significant deposit then go with it if your gut tells you to. If you get that feeling you shouldn't let it go. 

I'd go with Kevin J. May's suggestion. 

Jerry, I would hire a professional background investigation company.  Most places that do pre-employment backgrounds will also do rental checks.  One such company I met at a recent seminar was C3Intelligence.com

I have not used this vendor, but I met the President/CEO of the company and he has a very solid background and it looks from their website that have the connections to review foreign nationals.

Share your advice in a blog.

Thanks for the question.

parked and reading...

Jerry Caldwell - stopped by to see some answers - and glad I did! 

Thanks for the question - appreciate it.

That's a hard thing to do Jerry Caldwell 

Have you considered a co-signer?

Not uncommon in our market -- often there will be payment upfront and or a co-signer.   

This is a calculated risk one should or should not take. If something goes wrong, they will get legal aid and you will be at the mercy of come what may. Get a co-signor which is a hard asset who will guarantee your outcome or go with the calculated flow which comes with the business we are in

Take all cash, US cash for the full years rent. 

I haven't a clue. 

I would try to find a co-signer, or at least get a larger downpayment. 

Really interesting question. I'm going to subcribe to your answers!

Thankfully I am not into property management or rentals.

yet another reason I don't do managment

That is way outside my expertise!

I agree with Debbie Reynolds's comment.