Hello,
I applied to an apartment 4 weeks ago with a $20 credit check fee and $80 fee to reserve the apartment. If I was accepted they would put the $80 towards the $500 security deposite(that is the amount the app. that I signed says). I was denied and they said I could get the apartment if I could either get a co-signer or a $2400 security deposite. Well I couldnt do either and we went are own ways. The lady there called and said she would mail me the check for $80 back (2 weeks ago). Yesterday I called to see where my check was and they said that since I was accepted but with stipulations that they got to keep my $80 and that I just couldnt accept there offer. Now I have to take it up with there corporate office and they are the ones that broke the contract. It clearly states that the $80 will go towards a $500 secutiry deposite not a $2400. If I dont get my money back I will take them to small claims court. Please let me know what you think.
PS. I live in WI
2007-07-19 03:49:04 · 4 answers · asked by Steven C 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Read the application again very thoroughly and see if it states anything about this type of situation with being approved with stipulations. If there is nothing explicit in your contract about this type of situation, then take them to small claims court. By approving you with stipulations that are most likely not going to be feasible to most people this is just their attempt to keep your money. Call their corporate office, be polite and state exactly what you have stated here and see where this goes first before making any threats. If you get no where, then let them know that you have already contacted the small claims court and you will be taking them there if you don't have your money back very shortly.
2007-07-19 04:02:52 · answer #1 · answered by dzwreck 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check with a legal aid clinic in your area, but it seems to me that if the application you signed was written as you state it then you should get your money back.
If the application did not mention any deposit other than the $500.00 they automatically voided that contract when they said you needed to come up with $2400.00. And since they voided the contract, they should refund you the $80.00.
Again, check with legal aid in your area, there may be something else in the application that give them the right to keep the money.
2007-07-19 04:01:00 · answer #2 · answered by CMR2006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SCAM....
first i would put in writing to her that this was not your understanding and that you are demanding your money back.
keep a copy for yourself and send hers certified, so she has to sign for it.
second open your white pages...there should be a listing for Renters Assistance or renters hotline (something similar to that)...contact them and ask if this is legal....or contact legal aid.
geeze---what a hazzle for $80....you think she would be moral and ethical about this....
next you could take her to small claims.....
good luck - (i hope the best for you)
ps - in the future - do not leave money towards a deposit...this is a scam...only for credit checks....pay the deposit when you are ready to accept the apt after you have been accepted
2007-07-19 03:58:14 · answer #3 · answered by Blue October 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you will lose. They offered you a contract to rent which you refused. It did not meet YOUR criteria, but it WAS an offer to rent, so they will most probably prevail.
You can be assured that this management firm knows the law inside and out, and has probably been to court over this very thing many times in the past.
Write it off as an expensive lesson.
2007-07-19 03:54:18 · answer #4 · answered by acermill 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋