Renting apt. in Vancouver, Canada. The owner is in UK

I am going to rent an apt. in Vancouver, the owner is in UK and she wants to make the contract by ebay. Is it common and is it legal? How can I make sure she is the real owner and my deposit money will be refund If I do not take the condo?

[chicago]

I would be very cautious, in my opinion it is quite odd. And pay only to credit card or bank account--western union is almost all fraudulent.

Some local person also has to be on site at the apt.

I agree. Very odd set up. Check the local tax auditor's site by looking up the address of the property and find the name and address of the owner. The site should list and address where they send property tax bills. If it is the same person and address, then it probably is legit, just odd. If it lists someone else, run for the hills - it is a scam.

I would wonder though, if he is overseas, who will take care of maintenance and repairs for the unit? How will you get in touch with him in an emergency? He must have someone - a caretaker, property manager, a relative - to handle these types of tasks for him. If he does, why couldn't they take care of signing the lease and accepting your rent?

I just don't think this is a good way to rent a place. I see trouble ahead. I'd keep looking if I were you.

I agree 100%, sounds odd.

--Landlord in Arizona