Prospect Can't Pay Full Desposit

[David Li]

Hello, 

I have a prospect (family) whom I have already approved, but I am requesting 2 months deposit instead of the standard 1 month due to their less than ideal credit. They initially agreed verbally, but now they are asking if they can pay half of it now, and the other half in 2 weeks when she gets her paycheck. I've spoken to their current landlord and they have always paid on time for the past 2 years and the recommendation was glowing. Their income is 6x my rent but have a large debt. Given the pros and cons, how would you handle this situation?

Thanks in advance, 

David

[Greg M.]

First off, never trust the current landlord. Any landlord that wants the tenant gone will give a glowing recommendation.

I'm going to assume that their move-in date is somewhere in between their first payment and the two weeks from now... I'd be a little worried that even with 6X income that they don't have enough money saved for even a slight bump in the road. If this is a C/D class area, OK, but if A/B that would very much worry me.