Okay, I may be getting scammed help.

Okay, I may be getting scammed help. Yes, I should know this but in VA can you charge first and last months rent plus security deposit of the same amount before move-in? I’m just confused if it is different if they don’t call it “security deposit”… any thoughts appreciated as I am trying to rent from a single owner who I have not met.

That’s common here in Florida

No greater than 2 months security deposit in Virginia. The last month of rent is a security deposit if they don’t put it on your ledger.

Thank you. Yes I know just wasn’t sure if they didn’t call it “security deposit” it was okay? Like I said I haven’t met him and he’s asking me to transfer this money

No, last month of rent is held “for security”. It’s an additional security deposit even if they use it for rent when it is the end of your lease.

But please do not give this to someone in unsecured funds. It very likely could be a scam.

That seems excessive and per this source may be accepted if 2 charges are being called rent and the 3rd charge an actual deposit - again seems like a lot 
 

So, do you think I just lost $500

Yes

Oh oh. Owner u never met. And wire. Does not pass stink test. One time
Someone hijacked our and reduced monthly rent greatly. scheduled open house on sunday afternoon from 2 to 5.
Took many reservation deposits in checks and cash. Scheduled lease signing on Monday at our office. Monday. At 10.00 a couple came in to sign a lease. While explaining to them. That we did not have open house or collect reservation deposits. Another couple came to sign. Oops long short. Went to property. Lock was picked. Reservation deposits by check were left on the kitchen counter. Everyone who paid cash lost out. They listed a normal 950.00 per month apt for 700.00

 Crap, I signed a lease, but may be able to stop the $500. Why would people ruin people’s lives?? I can’t comprehend..!!!!

 It may not be a Scam. Have u seen the prop
Or only pictures. Go to google and verify if prop exists. Also verify if its a legit business man or business.
And did u send a wire to an American bank ?
When do u take possession and pay deposit and Rent ?
If u used your bank to send wire funds. You may still be able to get it back.
Sorry to be bearer of bad news.
Ocassionally we do lease to people who cant afford to travel to see properties. But we face time and ask them to hire local person or if on school find somone to check property out

Brother was scammed by an "individual owner". Out of state move. Gave first and last months rent plus deposit. Turns out wasn't the owner of the listed house. Came to move in with lease in hand and found they had been scammed. Make sure you are dealing with owner.

Before sending any money. I would check with the tax assessor to see if who you are sending the money to owns the property.

Yes. The deposit is refundable after you move out and you’re paying first and last up front. However, if you renew the lease make sure it’s documented that you paid first and last up front. Many owners do this because way too many people give 30 day notice and fail to pay the final month

During the recession in 2007/2008 there were a lot of that in the DMV area. I had renters telling horror stories about sending all this money and got scammed. I even had someone try to pay me over the move in amount and then request me to wire the credit back. Umm no, went straight to the bank with that fraudulent check

We call ours a Sure Bond and it's non-refundable.