I have told Hil to ask the owner to contact management at the condo and also told Hilary to ask the management if this woman is sole owner and is legally permitted to let the condo.
Arthur -itis. I live in UK. Owner of condo in Arlington Virginia, is American living and working in UK. I have read the email to Hilary and seems very genuine. She says she just wants to get a good reliable tenant in to help defray the cost of living in the UK. I don't know how much construction engineers make in the UK but I am also a bit worried about the fact that her job in the UK could evaporate in this economic climate. She might move back home and Hilary would be forced to move.
The woman did say she is willing to offer anywhere from 1 month to 6 years rental contract. This, I also found very dodgy.
Now waiting for Hil to finish work for the day and read my messages to her. We shall see how it goes.