How do key rentals work when viewing a rental house?

I’m looking online for rental homes, and a lot of the ads say to come by their office with a $20 refundable cash deposit to rent the key. Do you pay the money, get the key to let yourself in and look at the house, then get your money back when you return the key? Seems odd to me, I guess…

They are taking a $20 deposit to give you a key to go look at the place by yourself. This is in case you don’t bring the key back.

YES, You should get that back when you bring the key back.

It is a little odd but not completely unheard of.

EDIT: They may not just be being lazy, they are probably just busy. That accusation is rather offensive.

We let people look at places alone all the time because we are a 2 person company and we do not always have time to run out right at that second. We would rather let them look alone then risk losing the tenant because we are busy right then.

Sybel’s Yoga for Sports and Fitness $1.99 …

Yoga to the Rescue: Back Pain $2.99 …

Under Lock And Key …

Schlage Camelot Deadbolt Keypad …

GE AccessPoint 001406 KeySafe 3-Key Portable Push-Button Key Box, Black $28.43 Portable Push Button Lock Box – Black Portable Push Button Lock Box Solid track record for unmatched quality and security. Interlocking faceplate prevents tampering and unauthorized access. Opens easily using a combination that you can choose and set/reset for yourself! Easily change the combination as often as you wish. Hangs effortlessly off of any door handle. Comes complete wi…