Is it common to require first and last month's rent for new tenants?

Question

Hello, newbie landlord question here: Is it common to require first month's rent, last month's rent, and a security deposit for new tenants? I'm aware that Florida doesn't have hard limits on what is required up front, but I'm curious what others do. I'd consider our building a Class B. I mention that because I realize that requiring that much up front my limit my tenant pool.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

It's the same dollar amount for the tenant, but it's more leverage for the landlord. The last month's rent will be spent, then you have $1,000 on reserve to ensure they return the property in good condition. With a double deposit, you have $2,000 on reserve and they are more likely to want that money back.

Pete Schiebel · Answer

> With a double deposit, you have $2,000 on reserve and they are more likely to want that money back

Thanks @Nathan Gesner, that makes more sense to me.

Pete Schiebel · Answer

Thank you @Marylyn Patankar and @Chris Grenzig, very helpful!

Chris Grenzig · Answer

@Pete Schiebel check what a lot of your rent comparable properties are doing in the area, as that will dictate it a lot. If you have 2 identical properties and the move in costs are rent + deposit, or first month, last month and deposit, most people would take the lesser move in charges.

I have found most areas in North and Central Florida do not collect last month's rent at move in, but you could always place a listing and try to do it and see what happens.

Also, as mentioned by others a double security deposit could be better, but we do get residents who move out who think they can use their deposit to pay their last month's rent even though our lease doesn't allow for that. So it would be the same in some cases, but at least you would have extra funds available. However, I do see most rentals do 1x rent for a security deposit, so it would be another potential factor in a renter's mind when comparing your listing to another.

Marylyn Patankar · Answer

It’s common to require the first month's rent, last month's rent, and a security deposit, but it can vary based on the property class and tenant qualifications. I’d say the security deposit for your Class B building should be a case-by-case basis. If a tenant passes your requirements—credit score, income, background checks, and landlord/job verification—then I typically charge just the security deposit plus the first month’s rent. If they don’t meet all the requirements, then I’d go with a double security deposit plus the first month’s rent. This approach can help balance risk while keeping your tenant pool wider. I also completely agree with Nathan, collecting a double security deposit instead of the first/last month of rent creates more leverage for the landlord. Having the money specifically allocated to a reserve account instead of having it directly contribute to rent is imperative.

Jake Knight · Answer

Forgot to mention that we do lose renters sometimes due to this.  We're comfortable with that though as we want assurances that their financials are healthy.

Jake Knight · Answer

It may depend on your market. Ideally, you don't want it to be too financially difficult to find a renter. That said, we require 1-2 months of rent in our market (Indy) and it's based on their qualifications.

Alan Asriants · Answer

That's a pretty common practice in my area.

If your local law allows it, see what everyone else is doing and go by the norm.

3 months rent is a substantial amount for some, but really helps ensure the financial quality of a tenant.

Sometimes I have immigrants who apply who work their tails off and can't afford the 3 months up front. Case by case I'll set up a payment plan. Maybe I do 2 months, and then have the 3rd month broken up over a period of time.

Pete Schiebel · Answer

Thanks for the advice all. @Theresa Harris, that's a good point that tenants might not have had to pay their previous landlord for last months' rent. I hadn't considered that.

@Nathan Gesner what is the benefit of the double deposit rather than collecting last month's rent + a single deposit? Let's use $1000 as the monthly rent amount and the deposit amount. Whether I collect First/Last/Deposit or First/Deposit (x2), the tenant is putting $3000 into it to start, with $2000 to keep them in line.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

There is no "standard" practice. Some will collect first, last, and a deposit equal to a month of rent. Others will collect first, last, and a smaller deposit. Some will collect first and a deposit equal to two months of rent.

I personally recommend first and a double deposit. The tenant is less likely to trash a place or violate the lease if you hold a large chunk of money. If they skip out on their last month of rent, you have plenty of deposit to cover it.

Is it common to require first and last month's rent for new tenants?

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