Accepting application fee from someone out of town

[Andrew Korcek]

This is my first rental, and very first application. The person says they want to move here and won't have a problem transferring to a local branch for their job.

How do people accept application fees and deposits in these situations?

Thanks for your help!

[Kyle J.]

@Andrew Korcek You could accept Zelle or Venmo, but not PayPal. It’s very difficult for someone to reverse a charge with Zelle or PayPal, and very easy with PayPal.

Along that same line, you could accept a certified bank cashiers check or money order, but never a personal check for the application fee or initial move-in deposit or first month’s rent. It’s too easy for someone to stop payment on a personal check.