How to Rent an Apartment Remotely When Moving to a New City

The short answer

Moving before you arrive is possible with video tours, landlord verification, and a pre-verified tenant profile. Here is how to rent remotely without getting scammed.

Moving to a new city before you have physically arrived is a challenge many renters face — job relocations, remote work migrations, or simply choosing a city before you know it well. Renting an apartment remotely is possible, but requires extra diligence to avoid scams and to present yourself as a credible applicant from a distance.

The Challenges of Renting Remotely

• You cannot tour in person before signing a lease
• Landlords are often skeptical of applicants who cannot visit
• Scam listings are more dangerous when you rely on photos alone
• Local market knowledge is harder to develop without being there
• Signing documents and making payments across states adds friction

With the right approach, all of these are manageable.

Step 1: Research the City's Neighborhoods Before You Look

Before searching listings, get clear on which neighborhoods fit your lifestyle and commute. Use:

• Walk Score (walkscore.com): Rates walkability, transit, and bike friendliness by address
• Google Street View: Walk the block virtually before scheduling a tour
• Reddit r/[CityName]: Locals give honest neighborhood assessments in neighborhood threads
• Niche.com: School ratings, crime, commute data by neighborhood
• Facebook groups: "[City] Apartments & Rentals" groups often have listings and neighborhood advice

Step 2: Filter for Remote-Friendly Listings

When searching on Zillow, Apartments.com, or Zumper, look for listings that:

• Have 3D walkthroughs or video tours
• Include multiple high-quality interior photos (10+)
• Are listed by property management companies with a verified address and website
• Have available units now or within 30 days (reduces uncertainty)

Avoid listings with few photos, vague descriptions, or "contact for details" without a published price.

Step 3: Request a Video Tour

Every landlord willing to rent to a remote applicant should be willing to do a live video tour (FaceTime, Zoom, or Google Meet). During the tour:

• Ask them to show every room, including closets, under sinks, and behind appliances
• Ask them to open windows and show the view
• Ask about cell signal strength
• Ask about internet providers and max speeds available in the building
• Listen for neighborhood noise during the tour
• Ask the landlord to walk to the building entrance and parking

If a landlord refuses a video tour for a remote applicant, that is a red flag.

Step 4: Verify the Landlord's Identity

Remote rentals are the most common setting for real estate scams. Verify before you pay anything:

• Look up the property address in the county assessor's database to confirm the owner's name
• Search the management company name on Google and the state business registry
• Verify the email domain matches the company website
• Never wire money or pay with Zelle/Cash App before meeting the landlord in person or on video
• If the price is suspiciously low, it is almost certainly a scam

See our complete guide to spotting rental scams.

Step 5: Submit a Strong Remote Application

Landlords are taking a larger risk renting to someone they have not met in person. Counter this by presenting the strongest possible application:

• Settl pre-verification: A Settl Verified Passport gives landlords verified income, identity, and rental history instantly — removing most of the uncertainty about a remote applicant.
• Employer letter: A letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and relocation status adds credibility.
• Reference letters: Letters from previous landlords stating you were a good tenant carry significant weight with remote landlords.
• Cover letter: Explain your relocation situation, your planned move date, and why you chose this apartment specifically.

Step 6: Negotiate a Contingency Clause

For significant relocations, ask the landlord to include a 72-hour physical walkthrough period after you arrive. If the apartment differs materially from what was represented in photos and video, you can exit without penalty.

Not all landlords will agree to this, but it is worth asking. Frame it as risk reduction for both parties.

Step 7: Arrange Short-Term Housing as a Backup

Even with a signed remote lease, have a backup plan in case the apartment is not as described on arrival:

• Extended-stay hotels (cheaper than regular hotels for 1–4 weeks)
• Furnished apartments (Furnished Finder, Airbnb, VRBO)
• Corporate housing (if your employer is paying for relocation)

Having a backup reduces pressure and helps you avoid signing a bad lease out of desperation.

Remote Renting Is Possible — With the Right Preparation

The key to renting remotely is reducing the landlord's uncertainty about you as a tenant. A verified income report from Settl does more to establish credibility than any cover letter alone. Get your Settl verification before your move.

Ready to get your Settl Verified Passport?

Verified identity, income, and stability, all in one report landlords trust. Apply anywhere, pay once.

Related articles