Sight-Unseen Lease Protocol

Protocol gates

• Gate 1 — Live video walkthrough completed. Address and unit number verified on camera. Not a pre-recorded tour.
• Gate 2 — Ownership verified. County assessor matches landlord or named property management company with verifiable contact.
• Gate 3 — Listing cross-checked. Same address and photos not tied to conflicting listings or prices elsewhere.
• Gate 4 — Military clause confirmed in writing. Lease terminates on PCS orders with proper notice. No SCRA waiver in the document.
• Gate 5 — All fees documented. Rent, deposit, application fee, pet fees, utility responsibility, any "resident benefit package" or junk fees — in writing before payment.
• Gate 6 — Deposit terms clear. Amount, holding location, return timeline, itemization rules, move-in condition photos scheduled.
• Gate 7 — Lease draft received. Full document — not a summary. Read the red-flag sweep or have JAG review before signing.
• Gate 8 — Payment method is normal. Check, ACH, or documented portal — never wire, gift cards, or cash apps to an individual you have not verified.
• Gate 9 — HSO brief completed. Report to your installation's Housing Services Office (HSO) before finalizing an off-post lease if required. Find your HSO on your installation's official housing page via installations.militaryonesource.mil.
• Gate 10 — Gut check passed. If pressure, secrecy, or "act today" energy persists after the above — walk away.