Advice needed: Tenant signs lease and asks to pay after move in

[Chris Campbell]

Hi BP Community. I'm asking for some advise on next steps. I signed with some new tenants who have had some bad luck recently. They don't have the security deposit and are now saying that they won't have all the rent until the Friday after they move in (3 days later). The father was hospitalized (they said) and wasn't working for 2 weeks, and had car issues. They also said their current place has already been rented. I have never been in this situation before here in Maine. Any advice is much appreciated. Sincerely, Chris in Maine

[Mike Cumbie]

"I'm sorry but our policies require full payment of first month's rent and security deposits before keys are allowed to be transferred. "

"In order to remain in compliance with federal fair housing requirements, I have to treat all tenants the same and follow all processes, I am willing to let you out of the lease since you have not moved in yet"