Yes but you never pay anything to anyone up front just like that, I mean verbally, before you enter the agreement and sign it. You’re not crazy :) Don’t believe all these slick snow lawyer talks.
You don’t want they do a number on you.
You read the lease contract, and if you agree to everything it says there, you cash down what they want when you move in (a security deposit, it’s usually a two month’s rent ). No other way round.
On the other hand, it’s difficult to find a serious tenant these days, I know that :)