Landlord wants application via Zillow prior to viewing?

[Jeremy Lee]

Hi all,

There's a home I'm interested in renting that I saw on Zillow and reached out to the landlord. She is saying that she needs for me to apply via Zillow (there's a $29 universal credit/background check that can apply towards other rental applications for the next 30 days) *PRIOR* to viewing the house... not sure if due to COVID or just wanting to screen out a bunch of people for a smaller pool of more serious potential tenants. 

Is this pretty 'standard' practice and ok to oblige to (no red/yellow flags)? 

[Russell Brazil]

Id never pay to view a property.