Deposit issue..

[lunzy]

What is the name of your state?

TX

I signed the contract for this apartment around 4 - 5 days ago, but hasn't been approved yet as I haven't submitted the co-signer form. I put down the deposit to hold the apartment. Then yesterday, I passed by my apartment complex and I noticed that the apartment which they are gonna move me in, its door was wide open. I was curious, so I stopped by and stepped inside the apartment to take a look. What I saw was really terrible and nasty apartment there, not to mention about the toilet and it was nothing like what they showed me before, not at all. The apartment was totally wrecked up (it hasn't been cleaned yet) and the ceiling, it seems like it almost fell apart. I was really mad at the apartment ppl, so I came by the leasing office and told them what I saw because I'm going to move-in in 4 - 5 days from now and things that I saw, clearly made me feel insecure about the whole thing. Instead of giving me another unit, they called me trespassing and they told me if I cancel the whole contract, my deposit, pretty much, will be gone.

My question is: Am I really trespassing and do they have the rights to charge my deposit if I turn down the contract?

Thanks.

 

[FarmerJ]

Go back with a camera and see if you can get in and take pictures , then take pictures if you can . and stop by the rental officewhen you are supposed to move in and then after they are processed with date stamps on them and give the office a set of the pictures telling them if you dont get your money back you will use the pictures in court to show the unit is unfit and call for a housing inspector to come in and write up what ever work orders they deem neccessary wich could lead to the unit to be condemned. If your not offered another apartment then plan on using your pictures to go to court and ask for your money back .

 

[dequeendistress]

You would be surprised of the amount of repair work which can be completed within 4 or 5 days. I would suggest that you demand a walkthru prior to move in with the apartment manager. Take your camera with you, then use the evidence if need be. I would NOT suggest you just walk on the property without management staff UNTIL you are a valid tenant.

I do not know what you meant regarding the toilet, or how the ceiling could "almost be falling apart".

Anything that is a hazardous defect or not up to code should be noted and a picture taken etc.

What were the terms as far as you putting up a deposit since you have not been approved by the rental company?

 

[moe15]

Do Not

Sign that inspection letter until everything is the way you want. If there are items wrong with the apt, you note it in the inspection letter, with a Written agreement to have it completed by a certain date.
I agree with the camera...or a camcorder during the walkthrough!

You do this exactly the same when you leave the apt too--do not let the apt do the inspection without you there, they will write up damages that didn't exist.

 

[dequeendistress]

Moe are you prejudiced against landlords?

Both the inspector and the tenant should sign the inspection form.


BUT, LUNZY, what were the terms as to the payment of the deposit to hold an apartment to which you have not been approved.

 

[moe15]

hahaha

yeah...lets just say I have learned all of my lessons!

Every response I post usually comes from past experiences. I had some LL's from you know what.

My last complex was great until the week we moved out. I went to the office with my keys, and the maint. crew said "no we don't need them, just leave them on the counter in the kitchen" When I went to schedule the inspection, they said "no, you don't have to be there." I asked " are you sure?" and they said "no"
Later, I received a check with some deductions from it
They tried to say that there were no keys, and that we did not clean the stove.
That stove was not any more dirty than when we moved in. The problem was, they said "you signed the inspection when you moved in saying it was clean" I should have been there!
I did get them to drop off the fee for the keys, because they did not take them when I wanted to give them to the apt. maint.

The other LL stories are much worse though...so I am here to help change them taking advantage of others