in contract - can I list as rental and sign lease agmt now??

[Shefali R.]

We are in contract on a unit and have explicit permission from seller to list it as a rental and show the property to prospective tenants before we have closed. Would love your thoughts on:

1. Can we sign lease agreement now with a tenant effective a future date after closing 

2. Any special clause that you have used in similar circumstances

3. Are there other creative alternatives to lock in the tenant now (say reservation fee applied to first month rent etc). 

Property is in New Jersey if that is relevant. 

Thanks so much!