First last and deposit

[Julianne Croegaert]

First, last and deposit - is this asking too much at once?

[Nathan Gesner]

I don't charge last-month's rent. I determine the level of risk a tenant presents and then charge a higher deposit. About 80% of my tenants pay a deposit equal to one month's rent. About 15% pay 1.5x a month's rent and 5% pay 2x a month's rent. Since instituting this system two years ago, I very rarely have a tenant leave owing more than we have on file.