Newbie Tenant selection question

[Tom DiEnna]

I'm in the process of selecting tenants for my first rental. Found my deal and I am almost done my remodel.  My goals are to find a good, long term tenant. I've had several come through in the first week and the best candidates are a couple that fit what I am looking for. They are willing to sign a longer term lease ( 2 or more years), agree to monthly rent and meet income criteria. The issue is that they cannot start their lease until 10/1 as their current lease ends at the end of October.  They are asking me to hold it. I have not decided whether I want to or not but if I do hold it, what stipulations I would make. Any ideas? I would likely ask for security, 1st and last month now and be sure to make it clear in the lease that it would be non-refundable if they bail. I also considered asking for more in rent or asking them to split September.  I'd hate to give up on a good tenant over 2 months when they could potentially stay for years. Any help is appreciated. 

[Rick Beno]

However you could also work out a reduced rent for the first two months, but they would take possession and the lease would begin on August 1 or whatever. That way they are responsible for the house, the utilities, etc. I did this once in order to get a stellar tenant and it worked out well. They appreciated the ability to move their stuff in slowly over the course of the two months and I didn't need to keep paying the utilities and mowing the lawn. So there are creative ways to make this happen, but be sure that the tenant exceeds all your criteria and that they are worth the extra work to figure this out.