<prompt> Human: My husband and I are moving from the Midwest to Maine in the next month and will be renting. This will be our first time renting a place that we havent been able to see first. How can we protect ourselves from someone basically taking our money and runningnot existing? Does a signed lease protect the renter from that? When a listing says first month plus deposit moves you in do both have to be paid before we get the keys i.e., can we pay first month when we actually arrive rather than ahead to hold the place?? Also, any concerns to consider or advice about renting from a landlord who lives out of state would be appreciated.  <response>: Dont sign a lease before you move. Get an extended stay type motel for a week or two and search for places once you get there. 