This is actually super atypical for the area until maybe now. Source: lived here for a decade in rentals.

Be warned, I've heard of one situation where someone is shown a better apartment and then (nameless company-- Not Samson) suddenly doesn't have that unit available/someone else rented it and they won't return your check or cashed your check and "want to show you what else they have." So do be careful with who you pay upfront.