I understand the urge to want to enforce a deposit requirement, but I also know the reality that literally no one would do it.
Is it very annoying to be no-showed or last minute cancel? Of course.
That being said, I've noticed in my own personal experience, if you require a certain type of screening, you attract a certain type of client, and so cancellations or no shows are rare, thus negating the need for a deposit.
But yeah, always follow your gut and I'd say to skip that one if you're feeling funky about it. There are tons of options in Houston that are legit. A flavor for every palette.