Negotiating Move In Costs?

[Jason Krawitz]

Good afternoon! I showed my rental to a family today that I'd like to have move into my property but they can't afford the approximately $3500 needed to move into the home (1st months rent + deposit + pet fee) plus December's rent in 2-3 weeks making the total cost about $5k. They'd be moving in mid-month. Would you ever consider accepting a pro-rated 1st month's rent as an incentive to attract a tenant you like after showing the property to them? They asked while I was showing the property if the rent amount was negotiable and I said no.

On one hand, I don't want to start off a relationship with exceptions being made on the $$$ side of things. On the other, I recognize that $3500 is a lot of cheddar for someone to cough up all at once with another $1600 due 2 weeks later for December's rent. That's asking them to pay $5k in a 2 week period to take possession of the property.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Am I being too soft and emotional about this!? lol