Bob

Local papers, craigslist, college/library notice board....all the usual suspects.

If you're renting, the potential tenant usually pays the fee anyway, so it's no skin off your nose, unless it's not a hopping area for rentals.

IlAlfie

We found a flat at a Glenwood property in NYC who were very very used to renting to new foreign arrivals with no credit history. Other major landlords are too (Brodsky etc). They wanted to see the job offer letter and what my partner's income was going to be. The leasing office phone the main office and we were accepted. No 3 month deposit needed, just one month as normal. Paying the rent every month by 'direct debit' is considered a plus (don't get me started on US banking) and some landlords seemed to reduce the deposit requirement if you do this. It was a swanky building...I'd thoroughly recommend Glenwood particularly if you've just arrived. They are usually full service buildings, which is nice when you're finding your feet.