How long do you wait?

[Mariel DeVito]

So I offered a lease to a potential tenant.  We both signed the lease on Saturday.  She said she can give me the deposit on Monday.  It's Tuesday and still no money or response from the tenant-to-be.  Move in date is scheduled on August 27.  It was previously set for August 14, with a provision of the deposit and first month by August 12, but I had to move due to delay in water heater installation for the property.  She agreed on the date.  How long do you wait until you conclude that you've been ghosted and it's time to move on to the next applicant?  Is it ok to send an email stating that she had not delivered on the deposit and therefore, lease has been rescinded or would I need to deliver something in writing via snail mail?

[Adam Martin]

I keep on showing until I get a deposit paid, sometimes it is at move in if they are moving in right away sometimes it is a few weeks early but unless money has changed hands they are an applicant not a tenant.  I require the deposit within 2 days of acceptance and they know this up front and feel this is a great screening tool.  They know they are moving and if funds aren't ready they have no savings and are just a breakdown or medical bill away from not paying rent on time.