Tenant wants to give 15 months rent UP FRONT

[Christopher Morin]

Yep, 15 months.  She's not a drug dealer, but she is receiving a very large divorce settlement, has no income, will be going to nursing school.  She is worried that without income she'll have a hard time getting approved.  I have no problem taking her money, but I'd rather not have to claim the income all on one year's tax return.   If we sign the lease in May, then I'd be receiving an extra $8000 in 2015 income that normally would go in 2016. 

Anybody familiar with this?  Without delaying payment, is it possible to defer the income until 2016?  Maybe in the form of a deposit that get's call due on 1 Jan?  I'd like to make this as simple as possible for the tenant.

[Account Closed]

You are not supposed to use the money until it is "earned". That means, leave it in an account and only withdraw each month's worth of rent on the 1st of each month. Then just claim the income from the months that you used the money.

Another reason not to spend the money is if she decides to leave early and wants her money back, you will have to give it to her, if you re-rent the place.