Is this a red flag or a reasonable request from lodger?

[blanketsnuggler]

We rent out our Annex, and have just advertised for a new lodger. Decided on a nice lady who said the deposit/rent would not be a problem. (Good English, but not her first language).
Messaged her today to send over the agreement paperwork and bank details etc. She messaged back asking if it would be ok to send part of the deposit now, and the rest with the first rent payment in 4 weeks time.

Disclaimer - I have autism and am TERRIBLE at reading people! Sorry if this is an obvious question. Thanks

And I by mine.

I will chip in a tenner too. But I’m a bit short this month what with it being August and a heatwave so will put in £2 and pay the rest later if that’s OK with everyone.

😂

So long as no contracts have been signed, which they shouldn't have until the full deposit has been paid, just tell her that due to her request, you are concerned that she will not be able to pay on said monthly date and for that reason you are out. And agree with people she would be a tenant, not a lodger and as such, it sounds like you don't know what you are really doing or potentially dealing with. I advise you to thoroughly research the legalities of having a tenant and being a LL before you go ahead with this

OP at half eleven yesterday morning.

Golly. Thank you everyone. I think you saved me from a nightmare there.
I used a combination of the suggested replies, and she has bowed out of the deal with grace.
It has been great to know I haven't been rude or gullible on this occasion!
Anyone want to rent a room?!😂

Tell her sorry but no, the deposit is to be paid now & rent on time in 4 weeks in full.

Why should she tell the lodger anything considering the lodger has withdrawn her application?

OH WAIT - YOU DIDN’T READ THE THREAD DID YOU?

I miss the laughing "react" button!

@blanketsnuggler
That's not a red flag
Its Scarlet
If she can
She'll be pleading absolute poverty when
Next payment's due and
After a few months she may even try something legal on you
Stating her "rights"

I'm ignoring the comments that have not read the thread, and also the comments advising me that she is a tenant not a lodger.
However, the comments about how huge a red flag this is, and also that it is a whole bunting of red flags have made me laugh. Thank you!
Seeing more potential LODGERS this weekend. 😁

Autistic people are constatly told they are being difficult or unreasonable when they try to set boundaries over what others might consider social norms. They get bullied into constantly backing down to to fit in and be accepted by others even when they feel uncomfortable with the situation, but then that can lead to them being taken advantage of bc they no longer know where their boundaries should be.

They can be utter pains too to be fair. I chucked an autistic lodger out because he kept setting 'boundaries' that made my life hellish. I lost a lot of money but lord it was worth it to have my space back without being followed about while nitpicked at.

That sounds like demands, not boundaries

She would still pay the deposit before she moves in? If so I think that’s ok. Just ensure you tell her the first half of the deposit is non refundable.

@winter8090
Its advisable to read updates before posting.

Tell her deposits go into deposit scheme.

Disagree wholeheartedly- we’ve had trouble coming up with deposits when we had to suddenly move out, we’ve been lucky that family could help so the landlord never knew. I think if you decided she was ok to live there you should give her a chance

Read updates !!!!!!!!!

What does the fact that English isn't her first language have anything to do with you question?