Collecting a years lease up front issues

[Tom R.]

I've had an interested party request paying for a years lease up front. He did tell me that the reason was that he had his identity stolen and his credit ruined. I told him I hadn't done that before and I had to check if there were legal issues involved to buy time. I'm thinking if he is paying up front I can overlook his credit if his background check and referrals check out but I'm wondering what you guys think. I also am wondering if there are any legal issues with this in California. We do have some pretty messed up laws.  If he pays up front it probably would be harder to evict should I need to but non payment wont be an issue for at least a year. I would keep the rent in the bank and pay myself out of it monthly in case he decides to break the lease. What are your thoughts?