Question
I need help with a Lease Agreement?
Sat down yesterday with a Landlord of a property I wanted to rent at... My main concern was that my credit was marred by a family member and that it may prevent me from being able to rent this property. The Landlord asked if I wanted to fill out the lease in full and make it contingent on the Application being successful. So I said... sure. When we finished she said she would continue to show the property in order to keep her options open so I said okay, cause I would not want her to lose out on business if my application was not successful. I decided to keep my options open as well and in the same town I found another 3 bdrm 2 bath available for rent for only $1,000.00! (the rent from the other property would be 1285.00). this deal sounded amazing as this new property was literly a block from the shore of puget sound in 2 directions from the house. (its a corner lot) so I called and let her know I'd be viewing it and If I liked it I'd rather not have my app ran. She said I was tied to the rental agreement and there was no way out of it at this point... (Its sunday and they havent yet ran my app) I asked her for the name of the company and she would not give me the name of the company, because I wanted to call and inquire if they had run my APP or not and if they hadnt I wanted to ask them not to run it. It is my money after all, right? She said regardless of if I stopped them from running the application or not I'd be tied to the Lease agreement anyway even though she said me filling it out and signing it was contingent on thew App being successful. Can anyone give me some advice. I dont want to make this a big deal.. she was seemingly nice and I'm kind of a pushover... but I cant afford to lose out on this money cause she was being kind of tricky I feel? is there anyone I can call? should I contact JAG since I am military and just got back from Iraq? I dont even have copies of the Lease agreement. thanks guys, SPC Arredondo
1 month ago - 4 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
I am unclear. Did you SIGN A LEASE or did you put in an application to GET a lease? If you put in an application to be considered for a lease, you are UNDER NO OBLIGATION. If you SIGNED A LEASE, you're stuck. You say the landlord had you "fill out the lease in full and make it contingent on the Application being successful". Depending on the wording in the lease, you may have just signed a lease!!!! That means unless they refuse you, you just moved in!!! See a lawyer ASAP. Sounds like the landlord just pulled a dirty trick in order to get you to sign the lease. By the way, BY LAW they have to give you a copy of whatever you signed. If they refuse, tell them your lawyer will be in touch. Sue them if necessary, sounds like they also need to be reported to the Better Business Bureau.
by Angela
1 month ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
I believe you would have had to take possession and receive keys, but I'm not sure. If you did not give her rent money or a security deposit, I don't belive the lease is valid. Definately contact your legal resources.
by Lessismore- 1 month ago
You are under no obligation to the first "landlord". You submitted an application that was contingent upon approval of your credit. The Landlord asked for the option to continue to show the property - or in other words take "back up" applications- therefore you are not on the hook for the property. It is your money--- and this would make me run FAR from this landlord... Talk to the JAG office- they are there to help you- explain everything as you did here- call first thing in the morning- you have the right to change your mind about a property- even if you had signed the lease- you have the right to back out.
by pink elephants- 1 month ago
Contact JAG PUT IT IN writing to LL, that you spoke with her and she said they have not run your application, that you no longer are interested in her apartment, that you are withdrawing your application and agreement to the lease agreement. State that this writing is confirmation of your oral notification to her. State that the lease was contingent upon approval, that she indicated she was continuing to show unit and that she was not bound to you, and you have withdrawn the application prior to submission and approval. Include all dates for each event. Be polite and businesslike. Apologize for any inconvenience. NEVER fill out the lease, until you are approved! Don't sign anything until YOU are ready to fully, legally bound.
by chatsplas- 1 month ago