Rent/Deposit without a move in date?

[Kyle Albus]

Hello All,

I just joined this community because I have a strong concern over what a landlord is requesting of me.  I wanted to get some advice on if this is normal and not a concern at all, or if I should take action.

Two friends and I are renting a place. We have found a location, the landlord says that we got it (after a credit/background check), so we signed a lease. However, we do not currently have a move in date because "it needs to process through the HOA" according to the landlord. On top of this, he is asking for 1 months rent and the deposit (also 1 mo rent).

I feel very strange about paying rent and deposit without even having a move in date.  I have never heard of this before, but I have next to no knowledge of things like this.  Can I get some advice on if this is nothing to worry about, or if this seems shakey.

Thanks in advance.