We usually do background checks on our tenants before excepting them via the Internet if possible. We don't even charge a months rent deposit and nearly all tenants have been good except for a couple over the last few years.
We tend to offer our tenants a more personal and friendly service and so far it's worked well as we live on site.
Keep the tenants happy and they will stay! All the girls and wives get together for a good nosh up every week and do there stuff so is guys can drink in peace

 

Unfortunately renting from locals you should not expect your deposit back as they just don't have it to give you. If you pay a month or two months deposit tell the owner you are leaving and can you get deposit back at the end! If not as many have said tell the owner you will use the last month or two and use your deposit up. As per usual they will not be happy about this and if the question it just report to the barangay captain and hopefully it will be sorted.
I know of several westerners who have done this and it usually turns it ok as long as you have a signed contract via a lawyer.
Good and bad landlords everywhere in the world.

 

It does seem like a bit much. Easy enough to resolve though, don't pay the last two months of rent, electricity or water before you move out. Even Stephen.

 

Usually they ask for the first and last month rent plus deposit (usually equal to one month rent). Rarely have I heard of people getting their deposits back (the landlord usually comes up with reasons to keep it). If I were to move out I would not pay the last months rent (because I had already paid it) and I would leave enough bills unpaid to cover my deposit if it was not guaranteed that I would get my deposit back. Bad tenants are a part of being in the rental business. I won't be paying for them...that's what insurance is for.