Working with Section 8 Applicants That Do Not Have RTA on Hand

[Ken Chud]

Hi folks.

I am a Baltimore County, MD Landlord that specializes in Section 8 rentals, and facing a problem with filling a vacancy since November 2018 and now is Jan 6 2019. My Gosection8 posting generates good response, but none of the callers  actually have RTA on hand.   That means none of them can be considered as a serious customer, and my house stays on the market as vacant.  This could be a seasonal variable where very few families move in winter, but I have never had vacancy this time of year and can't tell. 

Are there are any strategies to deal with this situation?

I thought about asking for proof of current Lease Amount and Tenant Portion to predetermine if their voucher will pay, Holding Deposit to hold the house in their name. I am not sure if this is a good way to hold on to prospective tenant, or if this is illegal. Seeking fellow landlord advise on what to do.