Tenant signs lease but doesn't pay first month & security?

[Alan Bosca]

Hi -

What is the best way to avoid the situation of having a signed lease and no payment before move in?  Don't want to be stuck with a stall for weeks then non-payment.

Does the act of signing make it a valid lease or does the consideration/money need to be delivered to be valid?

Will a clause in the lease saying not valid until money is received, and lease offer is revoked if not received within 3 days of signing solve this?

I'm in California, if someone could point me to relevant law - thx!

[Bjorn Ahlblad]

@Alan Bosca don't allow them to move in until you have deposit and rents. Generally we do a lease signing and collect security deposit, and first and last, in the form of a cashier's check before move in, On move in day we do a video inspection with the tenant in the video. I hope you have not given them a key. If you have, then get a locksmith over there and change the locks. Better start things off on the right foot.