Tenant 500 miles away wants to rent sight unseen...new job

[Kate B.]

This is my question.   What is the best way to have him send first and last months rent?  Overnight mail?  FedEx?    My plan was to have him email back signed lease, then send back hard copy of signed lease with check in overnight mail.   (By the way, is overnight mail really overnight?)   There is a lot of interest in this property, but I see his reason for taking it fast.  (He does not have a car and his employer -- a university -- is right up the street.)

I am a rookie landlord and never encountered this before.   FYI, he gave me his full name and current employer and all that.    I just want to know the best and fastest way to get papers and the rent.

Thanks!

[Kate B.]

Well, I am glad I asked about this because I learned a great deal. Here's what happened.

The person who got the job offer has not had a background check yet, from his new employer. His wife told him not to sign a lease until all that was done.

I had not canceled any appointments to show it to people, and the first person I showed it to took it at noon today.