Future Tenant Can't Occupy As Planned

[Scott Weaner]

I have a possible tenant that was planning to occupy my open unit on 12/1. The tenant was just notified by her current landlord that they must stay until 1/1. I would still like to rent to her, as she passed all screening and seems like her family will make good tenants.

What should I do in order to hold the unit? I was going to ask for the deposit, but would that offer any protection to me if they eventually back out?