Rental scams
The landlord says they're out of the country and will mail me the keys. Is that real?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
It's almost always a scam. The absent owner who is abroad for work, missionary service or family reasons and promises to ship the keys after you pay is one of the oldest rental scams. Real owners who live far away hire a local property manager, agent or friend to show the place and hand over keys.
Moderators see the same script over and over: a sympathetic backstory, a below-market price, a wish to rent to "someone trustworthy" like you, and a request to pay by wire, Zelle or a payment app. Some tell you to drive by and look through the windows but not to disturb the current tenants. Others say a courier or an agent will release the keys once the payment clears.
Think about how a real owner would behave. Someone renting out a property worth a large sum doesn't hand it to a stranger based on a few messages. They would have a local contact, a proper lease and a way for you to see inside.
If you still want to test it, ask for the name and number of the local person who will do the walkthrough and give you the keys, and check the owner's name against county property records. Scammers usually stop replying at this point. If they do reply, the answer is still the same: no viewing, no payment.
Want the whole picture? Read How To Avoid Housing Scams.