Tenant occupied, can't show property for a month.

[April P.]

Hello BP Community,

We have a condo for rent that's not available for about a month. I went ahead and posted on Zillow and started marketing given we're 30 days out. It's in great condition, desirable area and I'm confident it will rent. It's been posted for about 3 days and I have 4 applications in. One applicant stands out in all areas (stellar credit, background, income, great job) and we would LOVE to go with them. The problem is that this applicant really wants to see the property at least once before putting down a deposit (completely understand), and the current tenants are completely unwilling to allow anyone in for a tour/showing until they are nearly moved out, which won't be for several weeks. Some of the lesser qualified applicants would be willing to put a deposit down without having first toured the property.

In my posting I did include that the condo is currently occupied and won't be available for any showings until February 20th, but I was hoping the tenants would make a one-time allowance, and that was not the case. Plus, I didn't have language written into the lease that says I have the right to show with a 48 notice or anything. (Lesson learned there and I will be adding that into the lease going forward).

So here are my questions. Are there any strategies to retain the excellent applicant as we wait for the next 4 weeks for them to see the property? Should I just move on to the other applicants more willing to put down a deposit so I can wrap up this process and move toward a lease signing? How long do I keep applicants in the pipeline before giving them a definitive acceptance or denial? 

Thanks in advance for any insight!!