How long will you hold a rental with a deposit/fee paid?

[Susan H.]

I have a rental advertised as available Feb 1st. I'm getting calls from prospective tenants who say they're looking now for a rental with lease beginning in April or May. While I appreciate their willingness to plan ahead, I wonder how many landlords will hold a property that long.

I'm comfortable with signing a Holding Fee Agreement 30 days ahead of lease start with the fee rolling over to the security deposit at time of lease signing. Anyone here agree to hold a property for a longer period of time? 

And whatever the length of your holding agreement, do you require they complete the application and credit/background check before signing that agreement? Opinions welcome!