In principal it sounds good but I am not sure how it is better unless it eliminates a large deposit.

At this point, they'd only sent me 3 properties and I realized it might not work so I requested we stop and honestly thought it would be a really reasonable request to return the 20k deposit/finders fee. 

For Guarantee I think in the way David your thinking about Guarantee the only one out there is FDIC insured deposits with the full faith and credit of the US Gov. 

Recently acquired duplex and used Avail for everything- advertising, screening, lease signings, deposit collections, etc.

We allow Tenant Portal (ACH), Direct Deposit to our bank, Venmo, Strip (credit & debit cards) and old-fashioned mailing of checks. 

I made my deposit which of course was very easy and fast as money is going in to Federa. 

Even if the tenant can’t pay, it sets the expectation and documents the issue.Small Claims Court: If the tenant refuses to pay, you could take them to small claims court, where you can seek repayment without needing a lawyer.Security Deposit: If the tenant has a deposit, apply it toward the damages.Consider Eviction: Given the arrears and damage, eviction might be a last resort to prevent future losses.Talk with your property manager to create a plan that minimizes further risk.

If someone rents before Dec. 31st for next year, even if they only put a partial deposit down now, the tax does not apply to them. 

I do two things: 1) I put specific language in my lease agreements that I need 30-days notice for early termination and 2) I also put language in the agreement that the security deposit can be kept if the renter terminates early.

The letter confirms the amount of security deposit and the "paid through" date for rents.