AmI legally responsible to pay both a deposit and first months rent ifI haven’t taken posesssion of a property?
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AmI legally responsible to pay both a deposit and first months rent ifI haven’t taken posesssion of a property?
I live out of state and found a house on craigslist the couple I have been speaking with seem very nice and we talked about sending the money either through the money the mail or ups. but I really don’t feel comfortable with it and don’t know what to do.
Asked on January 29, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Alabama
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Possession has nothing to do with whether you are obligated to pay or not. All that matters is whether you entered into an agreement--either an oral or a written lease--with them to rent the premises. If you have formed an agreement with them, you would be obligated under that agreement, which would mean at least one month's rent (even in the case of an oral or month-to-month agreement) or, presumably, a security deposit if that was part of the agreement.
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