If you feel like there is going to be several offers than it is better to go with a higher deposit.

A few years ago it was rent control, this summer it is dropping the deposit amount.

Find, copy, keep, all the lady’s checks to dad for the place, daddy Deposits into bank, etc., to prove she wasn’t a squatter who can claim adverse possession, sue her for the money you had to pay (need to keep your name and other assets clear) on the foreclosure.

Thus, basic deposits (ACH/checks) and payments (ACH, checks).

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

The protections are there because beat cops are not qualified to determine who is a tenant and who is a criminal.Just as LL should not provide keys without rent, security deposit, credit check, etc, tenant should not pay a dime without a lease agreement that gives them certain rights.  

Security deposit is $2000.

None of the offers have any other contingencies, and the earnest money deposits are all the same ($2500).

There are DSCR programs that will allow the use of a higher existing lease so long as you can show receipt of the rents for the last 3 months as well as a copy of the original deposit.

One person uses it for long term rentals, no pet's, requires super high credit, 3 months deposit etc etc..