legal way to take 3 month deposit

[Kevin L.]

In Virginia, the maximum deposit a landlord can take is two month rent.

I have a lady recently went through a messy divorce with bad credit who is interested in my property. She told me upfront that she has bad credit and their house went foreclosure. She is offering to put down 3 month rent as deposit.

I am a big believer that people deserves a second chance. Certainly, I am also worried her ability to pay the rent. Therefore, 3 month as deposit is something I want take.

My question is that is there a legal way to take the three month deposit? or as a different name or something?

Thank you!

[Nicholas Crum]

You can require the 2 month's as a refundable deposit and require the 1 month as a non-refundable fee since they have such bad credit and you are taking a big risk. I would see if they are ok with doing that.