Need help on these two issues: SCRA related and Potential Tenant Inquiry

[Michael Dombrowski]

Hey gang,

I am in a predicament. I have a tenant whom singed an 18 month lease and due to circumstances he could not control, he had no choice but to join the armed services to help provide strong healthcare for cheap for his growing family. He is trying to give his notice and used the buzz phrase SCRA AKA Service Members Civil Relief Act. He is leaving for basic in September, but is trying to use the basic training as full time deployment which I dont by. I have agreed to help them out and try to find a new quality tenant for that location. They have also agreed to personally show the property to applicants to help me out and that gives them incentive to make this a smooth transition. I told them that I fully expect them to cover rent for any extended period of time that the house is not rented out. I will not rent out to just anyone until I find a quality tenant. He needs out September 1st, but I need them to cover rent until we someone in there. Is that too much to ask or will the military protect him from his obligations?

Now on the screening process. I had a person contact me and ask if I accept rent assistance. How do I respond to that without getting in trouble? I'd prefer to accept someone whom does not have rent assistance and I know that I will find someone that is more stable to move in, but I am unsure how to respond to that. I told this person that I am unfamiliar with rent assistance and would need to look into it. Thoughts?

The property is in a middle income neighborhood. Not sure why someone whom needs rent assistance would be willing to pay rent at what I want?