Venting -Potential Tenant 'blindsided' by security deposit

[Shefali R.]

Hi - this is more of me just venting than looking for a solution.

We had a nice lady apply for one of our 3 bed rental units, moving from brooklyn to NJ. Her application was fine, her current and prior landlord had only great things to say about her. Then yesterday we sent her the lease agreement with a request for checks for 1.5 months of security deposit and first month rent. She emailed us back saying she is basically blindsided by this last minute change in the terms and our request for security deposit and now will not sign lease. Apparently she was not informed of the security deposit requirement. 

Seriously? Our listings on Zillow, Trulia and Hotpads all indicate security deposit in the terms. Our lesson is to make sure that every discussion one mentions the security deposit again and again..

Phew! Back to listing the unit again:)