Signed Lease, Paid Security Deposit but Did not Move In

By Tenant

There are really some instances when you cannot move in even though you’ve already paid the security deposit and signed the lease. Things happen and as much as you would have wanted to keep your end of the deal, you just  can’t. Now, most tenants would think that landlords are being unfair when they insist on you living up to your end of the deal but the fact is, they’re running a business. Once a lease agreement has been signed, then that would mean that the landlord can no longer accept inquiries or reservations pertaining to that apartment. Therefore, potential tenants who might have stayed longer have been lost.

So what should you do in case you’ve already signed a lease, paid your security deposit but then you couldn’t move in?

• Be honest. Tell your landlord why you cannot move in. Most landlords might understand it if you tell them a few days to a week after you signed the lease because that would mean they haven’t lost a lot of their resources while waiting for you to move in.
• Check the lease agreement. There are some lease agreements that provide for a 48-72 hour leeway wherein you can break the lease and you will not be charged for termination fees. However, other lease agreements are stricter because there is a dollar cost for early termination – completely spelled out.
• You may look for a replacement tenant to sign the lease with the landlord. However, the cost of rent for the months that the apartment will be vacant while you’re looking for a replacement tenant will be charged you by the landlord.
• Some landlords may require that you sublease. This means that you would still be the in the lease agreement and whatever happens, you would still be responsible for the property. While this is a good option since it disregards the need for a comprehensive background and credit check, it also means that you have to carefully select who you will be subleasing to. Remember, the property is still your responsibility.

Once you’ve already settled the concern and the landlord agrees to let you out of the lease, the next thing that you need to do is to secure a refund of your security deposit. Remember that the security deposit is refundable but there are some landlords who will use it for unpaid rent. In the event that you didn’t move in, the landlord may deduct the rent equivalent to the time the apartment will be left unoccupied from the security deposit.

In case your landlord keeps all your security deposit, then you can shout foul and contact a mediator like the RPA through their complaint center.

Related posts:

Holy Cow, we couldn't find any other related post. Sorry. :(