Accepting Roommate/Tenant with only partial rent to move in?

[Jon K.]

I wouldn't let a "real" tenant move in with partial rent, but should I let a roommate/tenant move in with partial rent?

This person wants to move in with only partial rent upfront.

Since they are a roommate, can I do a weekly lease, accept deposit and weekly rent, and give them 7 days notice to leave if they don't pay?

Can I modify my lease to make it a weekly lease?

The details they gave me:

- They relocated here for work and commute 2+ hours from their current rental that they're leasing there through January 31
- They want to move in here January 1, a Wednesday
- They don't get paid until January 3, a Friday, and get paid weekly each week
- They work at a law office here (admin staff) and just started the job this week

This person sounded good until they said it would be "cutting it close to pay their current rent and deposit/rent here upfront by January 1."

Would you even consider this person?

Should I try a weekly lease, and just check their current rental reference, credit, job, etc.?

Usually I wouldn't even consider someone who couldn't pay. But, since I'm their roommate, should I consider it?

I haven't found anyone yet, and I'm looking for someone for January 1.