Signing a lease before closing

[Vanessa Thiele]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone has experience with signing a lease with a tenant before closing on the property?  I am under contract on a duplex in Denver with a close date of December 1.  A woman has reached out through the seller and is interested in renting it and moving in December 7.  She seems to meet all of the criteria (but I will do a complete screening), but I am unsure about the legality of entering into a lease before we close.  I don't want to turn away a good tenant since this is a terrible time of year to find a tenant.  Any suggestions or knowledge are appreciated!  Thanks!