I went to check out a studio, and after that I agreed to take it. So I gave the landlord $500 for deposit. She told me to give the rest of the money and plus the first month rent as soon as I can (One month rent is $1075). But I didn't sign the lease. 2 days later, I changed my mind. I called her and apologized to het for the inconvenient. But she told me she can't return the $500 back to me, because I signed the application form and on the form it says the deposit is nun-refundable. I am wondering that since I haven't signed the lease, can I get the deposit back? I am so worried.
P.S.: I want to add that the application form says If I rent the apt, I won't be able to get back my deposit. But the thing is I didn't rent the place. Would it make it different?
2007-11-20 08:49:19 · 6 answers · asked by butin 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
if you feel in the right, then it sounds like your only recourse is to sue for in small claims, and let a judge decided
2007-11-20 09:25:33 · answer #1 · answered by goz1111 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your deposit was taken in good faith that the landlord will not show or rent the property to anyone else. Contrary to what people are telling you, you maybe entitled to your money because you never rented the place. She may keep a portion of it for her inconvenience, but she must return the rest of the security back to you. You have not lived there to use the security. You were never a tenant, and security is applied to tenants that live there. I would contact legal aide in your state. She is mad understandibly so, however she has no right to all $500. I can't seem to understand why anyone would pay over $200 to hold a place. Next time, be sure of what you want to do before you hand over your money.
Unfortunately, it does not sound like this lady wants to hand over the money. I see small claims court in your future. You could probably file for less than $100. You could also win court costs if you win your case.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Good Luck!
2007-11-20 17:28:33 · answer #2 · answered by _nicole_ 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi there, normally deposits are refundable if you go ahead with the deal. But if you back out then you might be able to lose it.
Depends on the agents, sometimes they do give you deposit back after taking some money off for advertising costs and releasing the property.
2007-11-20 16:56:38 · answer #3 · answered by Jaliyan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kiss that $500 good-bye. If the application form indicates that your deposit is non-refundable and you signed the application form, you have no basis upon which to expect that the deposit be returned.
2007-11-20 17:01:33 · answer #4 · answered by acermill 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The money is gone, You agreed to take the studio, proof of this is the deposit you made.
2007-11-20 16:55:14 · answer #5 · answered by psychopiet 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sorry but you're not getting it back. it doesn't make a difference if you proceeded on with getting the place or not, deposits are non-refundable.
2007-11-20 16:53:03 · answer #6 · answered by pinkykeegz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋