You identify the problem (lack of deposit) during your inspection phase, then hit them with an objection that requires them to pay you a deposit at closing.

@Gash Nookala,Renting can indeed be slower in winter, but here are some tips to boost interest:Enhance Listing: Ensure your listing has detailed descriptions and high-quality photos—consider professional photography if needed.Competitive Pricing: Double-check local comps; even a slight price adjustment or incentives (like a reduced deposit) could attract more interest.Broaden Marketing: Beyond Zillow, Hemlane, and MLS, use social media, community boards, and local business connections to reach a wider audience.Flexible Lease Terms: Offering shorter or month-to-month leases might appeal to tenants during this slower season.Local Property Manager: A local pro can tap into their network and help fill the vacancy faster.These steps should help you find a tenant despite the seasonal slowdown.

What about the security deposit? 

So, a $2,000 deposit could cost you $6,000 in court.Waive the deposit and raise the rent to make up for it.Back in the 90s we had a 9 plex in Cahokia, IL.

We refunded his 200 dollar pet deposit (Illinois has put ESAs on par with working animals, so we had to refund it), although he says we did not (we do have proof of this).   

Income tax refund (forced savings account where govt keeps your interest) gives them the cash they need for first month's rent + security deposit.10) Realities of S8: most tenants no longer have 100% of rent paid by the program.- Good luck getting them to pay their portion for the duration of their lease- Be careful including utilities in the rent as they then won't care about a running toilet resulting in a $500 water bill.- S8 tenants don['t want to pay application fees- S8 tenants cry broke about paying security deposits- S8 tenants in the program for 10+ years claim ignoreance on filling out their paperwork because they've learned a desperate landlord will do it for them.If you want a S8 tenant, you MUST advertise on www.AffordableHousing.com

The vast majority of lawsuits against Landlords are for wrongful eviction, security deposit disputes, and Fair Housing Violations.

I invested with D32, and like a lot of others, cannot get my deposit back.

The funds are deposited electronically each month.  

I suspect all security deposit need to go to the owner or a new PM..