I am about to rent a house from a property manager that is managing?

the home for the private owner. I i have seen the house and it is clean, it has smoke detectors, and everything seems to be in order. for the deposit they want certified check or money order or cash. before i sign the lease what else do i need to know or do. I dont have much info on the private owner or the property manager but he will give me a receipt. Thanks for advice.