FACTS: A landlord has asked if the property manager can provide remote access allowing renters to enter vacant properties.

ISSUE: Can a property manager provide potential renters remote access to a vacant property?

ANSWER: See discussion

DISCUSSION:         

Remote access, which allows users a one-time access code to enter into a vacant rental for potential tenants to view the property, is legal.  However, there is risk involved. There is always the chance that the caller is posing as a potential tenant, but in actuality is interested in stealing appliances or copper wiring. There have also been scams where people enter a property, change the locks, and then try to “rent” the property out to other unsuspecting tenants.

Therefore, the best business practice would be to show the property with an agent physically present.