Send for electronic signature. Lots of programs do it but they all cost. If you have dropbox I think they let you do 3 free. Use whatever you got - paypal, square, venmo to send them an invoice. Get all move in funds - security deposit, 1st month rent, animal fees, leasing fees, onboarding fees, whatever. If you let them use a credit card to pay I would add the 3% to the total.

Tell them to get renter's insurance and send the dec page to you.

When they come to town, go over the methods you accept for rent, give them a list of the utilities to call to get into their name, give them the keys, and rent on.

You can try this and see if it works for you for electronic signature. I have not used this.

sejda.com/sign-pdf

I agree that Zillow applications are trash. The majority that I have gotten were proven wrong.

Easy enough to do your own application and lease for online signatures. Have them send a pic of their ID as well.

I set Venmo up for a couple from SC and it worked out for me fine. Just signed a lease a couple months back from a guy that came here from CA. He has continued to pay via Venmo and I guess that is fine.

If you can't get an easy search from the state they are coming from use the search that is offered here. Might be too late for these people but it could help you in the future.

I agree with the others. I have trust issues. I do not trust someone else to screen for me.

I don’t have an issue renting to people from out of state but I need to meet someone at least once or I pass.

They are moving to Ohio from Michigan. They have filled out my application also besides Zillow.. I did Zillow because it gave me a credit report and criminal background check.

I did meet the couple in person at my rental house but at the time they were looking at other properties so I did not have a lease prepared.

Have not personally searched for someone with this, but it looks like if you have their last known address it should help you out.

micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/court-selection

Also do not EVER trust the Zillow credit or criminal reports. I think it only shows decided cases. Some cases can be strung out for years. Plus it is just not accurate.

I rent to folks from far away ALL the time. This is how I do it:

The listing is not updated / unit taken off the market until:

I send the Rental agreement via Docusign.

They are fully aware that the Rental Agreement is not ratified until after ALL parties (me) have signed it.

They sign first, pay deposit, 1st month rent, everything needed to move in via Zelle.

THEN I sign it and we have a ratified agreement & both parties know we have the security of a done deal.

Both parties instantly get a copy from Docusign.

No offense but they will be new to town and have no job history so what happens if their job doesn't work out? Second why are they moving and does that story make sense? Were you able to call 2 previous lls, or ask for proof of paying rent?

My previous post is based on the assumption that - of course - they apply and are fully qualified & accepted.

Did you verify that letter of employment with that employer?

I have had those faked before.

Also, how old are these folks?

If they are older and living with parents then look for the true why, not what they tell you.