Great potential tenant but cant move in for a month?

[Tyler Labelle]

Found A extremely well qualified tenant but he can't move in until the 15th of September. Do I take his deposit and let it sit empty? Do I offer him the place but only if he signs and pays from September 1st? or do I just keep looking?  I've have 15 people call and probably 8 view the house most of them not meeting the income requirements.  

About me,  I have 5 rentals but I bought them all this year and most of them had tenants in place so this is my first time dealing with filling the door. 

[Jon A.]

I charge one months rent up front for deposit. What does your old lease say for the last tenant? Does the new tenant have pets? By the way, it is not rented until you have money and a lease in hand. Keep showing it until that happens even if it is an hour before the lease signing. If this tenant is as good as you say then they will have options and keep you on the line as back up.