Tenant wants to delay paying security deposit for medium term rental

[Justin Macaskill]

I am currently in the process of renting my fully furnished townhome for a 6 month term to a family of four.  Tenant wants to take possession 4/1 and has asked to pay the security deposit of $3,000 closer to the move in date along with first month rent.   I asked for it at lease signing.  I know it’s common to get the full security deposit at lease signing, but wondering what people’s thoughts are on offering them to pay half at lease signing and the rest before move in since we are two months out before move in.  Don’t want to be unreasonable demanding 3k two months ahead of time but also want money up front to take the property off the market.  I have had a hard time finding a good tenant as I can only rent the unit until the end of September.  Unit is in Florida