Pre-paid rent with post-dated check. When can I deposit it?

[Dan N.]

HI there,

I have a tenant who unexpectedly sent me the next three rent payments with post dated checks. Apparently she will be traveling a lot and didn't want to forget to pay.

I have asked her to clarify her intent, but I was wondering if I'm obligated not to deposit them right away. It would be easier to do that so I can't lose them, but I could see how that might not be legal.

Thanks for any advice,

Dan