I want to give a landlord a security deposit to hold an apartment but I have more appointments that I want to go to and if those places are better or cheaper, I would like to go with them instead and would like my deposit back since I haven't signed the lease yet.
2006-06-26 10:30:18 · 8 answers · asked by lvlisa2002 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
BY law he/she has to give it back if you haven't sign or move-in. Some don't want to in order to force possible tenants to move to their property, because they know the reason the tenant is asking for the deposit is they already found a better place.
2006-06-26 10:35:54 · answer #1 · answered by lelekid4ever 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You definately should have SOMETHING in writing -- at least a receipot for the $ you give them, otherwise how could you prove that you gave them any $ much less what the money was intended for.
Whether or not you get teh $ back will probably depend on the ethics of the landlord -- and consider that it is kind of unethical for you to ask them to hold something for you (denying them the right to lock down a lease agreement w/ someone else) while you keep lokking to possibly bail on them... whenever you try to pass one over on someone like this, and you don't have a clear written agreement from both parties, someone ususally ends up getting screwed -- they could return your money minus a fee for the days you kept their unit off the market
2006-06-26 17:37:51 · answer #2 · answered by Finnale 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be careful. Once a deposit is given on an apartment, it's taken off the market. The landlord can claim that he lost opportunity to rent because of that. Always ask the renter if you are unsure!
2006-06-26 17:35:35 · answer #3 · answered by Spice 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on that landlords policy. When leaving a deposit to hold the apartment, you would sign something in regards to the deposit. Such as length of hold, amount of refund, etc. You just have to ask whoever it is that you're dealing with.
2006-06-26 17:34:12 · answer #4 · answered by CarlaCCC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you haven't signed the lease he can't take your deposit. He's just using it to make sure that you are serious.
But out of curtiousy you shouldn't leave him hanging for too long.
2006-06-26 17:33:56 · answer #5 · answered by NYCBallOOPS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They dont have to. I gave this guy a $1000 deposit one time and found something cheaper. He acted all funny but my brother came up with a good idea: The guy was still checking my references so my brother's girlfriend called him back and said I was a horrible tenant, etc...I got my money back.
2006-06-26 17:33:07 · answer #6 · answered by Shell 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give the guy a deposit...and get a signed agreement that it will be returned if you decide not to take it.
2006-06-26 17:34:55 · answer #7 · answered by gcbtrading 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's something you would have to ask the landlord before you give the money.
rightfully i dont believe they have to give it back. while some only give a portion of it back.
discuss it with them before you do it. if you've already done it you can ask for it back, but i dont believe they have to give it to you.
2006-06-26 17:34:57 · answer #8 · answered by Coltsgal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋