Security deposit up front only option?

[Ryan Billingsley]

We have a potential renter who is offering to pay 100 dollars more per month for the 1st six months until the security deposit is paid.  She is currently staying in a extended stay for $250 per week.  She said she found another property to move into but it was rented out from under her.  Our property is a 1/1 but has a extra room that could be used as a bedroom.  She has a 17 year old daughter that will be living with her.  Also she has a couple kids in college.  Is this a normal offer to let a renter pay the security deposit over the first 6 months instead of all up front?  We were thinking about making it nonrefundable to allow her to do that.  The property is in a C class neighborhood so it is not the best quality tenants interested in renting.

[Jon Holdman]

I think its a huge red flag.  The times I've done this I've always regretted it.  There was always some excuse for why the deposit couldn't get paid.  If this is really your best option, get whatever you can for a deposit and then increase the rent to give you some additional income.  For instance, get $300 up front and increase the rent by $50 a month (indefinitely, not just six months.)