"Holding" property for future tenant but how to work out sec dep?

[Noureen A S.]

I have a section 8 prospect that wants to apply for my rental. She has to give her current landlord 60 days notice to move out. Before she bothers applying, she wants to know what it would take to hold the unit during the 60-day period if she qualifies...

Mthly rent on my prop is $950... If she cannot get into the unit for 2 mths, I've considered offering her $750/mth to hold the unit during the 2 months...

But I'm not sure what would happen with the security deposit? Would I collect that at the end of the 60 days along with first-mth's rent? And when would she actually sign the lease?

[Michael Craig]

@Noureen A S. 

My policy for holding units for tenants is they must submit an application, qualify for the unit (this includes references checking out), and the security deposit must be paid. Unless these conditions are met, the unit will remain listed and showings will be scheduled.

You have to ask yourself if it is worth passing on two months rent to hold a unit. Can you find a tenant just as qualified in that time frame who is willing to move in sooner?