We signed up a renter in December and had her sign an agreement to rent the house with a $100.00 deposit. All communication was great and we set up a day and time to hand over the keys/house. The renter did not show up for the appointment and will not return our calls. Can we take her to court over the losses we are incurring? Thanks.
2007-01-08 05:43:19 · 4 answers · asked by A------Mac 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Yes, you can. You can sue her for lost rent. The maximum varies by jurisdiction--- you won't get the entire year's lease but you will probably be able to recover 60-90 days of rent plus the cost to advertize the property again. You must start looking for a new renter soon, though; if you sue her, the court may reduce your award if you are not trying to replace her.
2007-01-08 05:46:37 · answer #1 · answered by dcgirl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did say that you signed a renter up?
Am I to assume that you have a signed lease?
If that's what you have, then you do have legal recourse. This varies from state to state as to what your options are, and what you can expect to get out of it.
If it's a one year lease, then the person who signed that lease agreed to pay you 12 months rent, and in theory, that's what she is liable for.
As I said, depending on the state you're in, you may or may not expect to be able to claim all of it. But you will be entitled to some sort of collection action on her.
2007-01-08 14:10:05 · answer #2 · answered by LongSnapper 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No signed lease = No action. You can only have the $100
If you do have a signed lease, you should be entitled to the first month's rent and whatever the penalty is for breaking the lease
2007-01-08 14:42:07 · answer #3 · answered by phillyphan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to make a good faith effort to get another tenant (DO NOT DELAY) and you can use the $1000 to ofset your rent loss until the new tenant moves in.
2007-01-08 14:02:37 · answer #4 · answered by sdmike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋