Is this a rental scam?

[yago]

I am trying to rent a property from a property management place they approve our application and stated that they will need the 1st month rent 1st then they will be able to order the lease and then we can put the security deposit down. Has this ever happen to anyone before what is your opinion should I go through this process or does this sound like a scam.

[brenn15]

It is standard to charge first months rent and a deposit.

[thom]

As long as you are dealing with these people face to face and have seen the apartment, that's not out of the norm for standard operating procedure.

[karlitis]

It is normal to sign the lease first then pay security deposit. the rent will not have to be paid until the day the rent is normally due or you can pay before but not required. I don't know that these people are scamming, but I would say they are ignoring the law and if they are doing that with this, I wouldn't think they would bother to follow the law anywhere else and you should not rent from them.

[tripp]

This is normal. I have been a real estate agent in New York and they just want to make sure that you are serious about leasing the property. They will not deposit you $ until you are approved in most cases. http://eleaseagreement.com/free-rental-application.htm