Renting to out-of-countryers

I don't have any experience but...what if you asked for 8 post dated checks (make copies os their passports, bank records and ID etc)... if the checks are on a local bank? Get your first month rent plus your deposits in cash or check and see if the checks bounce before letting them move in...if it is cash let them move in.

Maybe someone has a better idea?

Likewise, no experience but lots of advice...

I recommend all that sistreat mentioned, and somehow find out what the national attitudes are in their home country. The biggest source of problems is how people have been brought up to think, in terms of what is acceptable and what is not. People in some countries apparently have little respect for other people's property, so they would probably make poor tenants - even for only 9 months. Even better than post-dated checks would be payment in advance for the whole 9 months.

Also, is their status such that they might be exempt from our laws due to diplomatic immunity of some sort? Is there any way you can contact, by email, their present or former landlords or other references (if they had any)?

If any red flags pop up, beware. Otherwise, a little higher rent and bigger security deposit would not be unreasonable, considering the added risk. If it seems reasonable to rent to them after all this, you (or a translator if they don't speak English) should go over the lease and all its provisions very thoroughly with them.

I'm sure all the readers would appreciate a report on what the results are. Good luck.

cactusbob

Where did you find these out-of-country renters? Be careful, there are many scams on CL like that. If they contacted you that way or from an online free ad, take every precaution because chances are it's a scam! I had a few of those offers when I was advertising for a rental I had.

Like I said in the pm, D, if you know this person already, OK. Take precautions like Sissy and cactusbob pointed out (also take the term into consideration - is short-term even what you want?). BUT if it was a response to your ad, don't even open it. Connie had warned me awhile back in my journal about just such a question I had. Also, my daughter and her husband actually had a dealing with this type of situation as potential tenants to an out-of-countryer advertising a place TO rent. I'd steer clear, myself. You'll have no problem finding someone local. And longer-term is better anyway. You don't want high turn-over on tenants. Just more work and holding costs for you.

Rina

P.S. most of the e-mails I've seen come from "United Kingdom" or "Africa", and are VERY similarly worded. I think I had posted the whole e-mail in my journal somewhere.

They are worded different but I've run across many scam emails on CL lately when I advertise. They use scrapers to send mass emails out to advertisers. What a drag for those of us that are legitimately looking for tenants or buyers! Just beware and stay clear of those types of emails folks!

Like cactusbob, I would agree that the renter pay the whole 9 months. Therefore, the lease will be a nine months lease with the option to renew based on the condition the property is kept. It is important to make certain requirements concerning occupancy. Why? Because one person may make a contract with the property owner, and bring in twenty other individuals to live in the property charging individual rent. In this case not everyone will be a clean freak and the property may incur damage. The contract to rent must be precise and everything provided in writing. It may also be worth your while to have property management handle this renter.

Sandra

Thanks for the feedback....I have decided to NOT go forth with the out-of countryers.

ps... Rina and El....what type of scam could this be???