Found 1 place but now another on the market 100 dollars less (apartments, rentals)

[jetsfan2012]

Wanted to get some insight from those who have relocated regarding this. As noted in my posts on here, I am relocating to Jax and have been searching for condos/townhouses to rent. I found 2, and went earlier this week on a 1 day visit to see them. Of the 2 I saw, 1 stood out, and the property manager and I came to a verbal agreement on moving forward.

I paid a partial security deposit that day, with plans to pay the remainder today(Friday). Now, there are only 1 small problem


1. In the the past 2 days, 2 additional units have come on the market, same sq footage, layout, and 1 my preference(ground floor vs 2nd floor), for $100/month less than the 1 I saw Tuesday.


I haven't signed anything, and my partial deposit I am assuming can be refunded because the unit has not been pulled off marketing yet. If I want the other place, should I use the price as a negotiating point prior to signing a lease, or apply for the other unit, and attempt to recoup the monies invested here?

Thanks,

[williamwebb49]

Originally Posted by jetsfan2012

and the property manager and I came to a verbal agreement on moving forward.

A man is only as good as his word!

[EricBoyd]

Originally Posted by williamwebb49

A man is only as good as his word!

Yep. I do what I can to take people at their word, but until I have money and an agreement in writing, nothing is solid.

[EricBoyd]

To the OP, just be careful taking too much time to make a decision. Depending on the market location, rentals can come and go pretty quickly. If you've done your due diligence, just commit to the place already. Otherwise, you stand the chance of losing out on all of 'em.

[williamwebb49]

The OP stated he paid a partial deposit, so money has changed hands which to me indicates an implied contract was reached.

[Retiredcoach]

You gave a good faith deposit to the landlord to hold the rental property for you. I would not expect the landlord to refund this. Because you have changed your mind, this does not cancel your contract, albeit a verbal one. To make things even more complicated for you, given that there is nothing in writing, is that if the landlord does not rent the property, he/she might have grounds to challenge you in court for rent lost. If you have decided to move elsewhere, I think that I would contact the owner as soon as possible, requesting at least some of your security deposit returned. The key is to be courteous, and remember that he/she is really under no legal responsibility to return anything to you (unless there is a mutual agreement that the verbal contract needs to be cancelled). Good luck.

[abvavgjoe]

Originally Posted by Retiredcoach

You gave a good faith deposit to the landlord to hold the rental property for you. I would not expect the landlord to refund this.

This. This guy isn't giving that money back. You already agreed to rent the place. However, if it were me and I felt the second condo was a better deal, I would explain the situation to the first guy and see what he says. It's possible he might match the deal, split the difference or allow you to take that deal after you forfeit only the money you already gave since you haven't signed anything.

[JBtwinz]

Let me tell you.................most of the time it is much better to be walking above someones ceiling than below especially the way some of these apartments and condos have been built around here.

Do a search on City Data Forum for "Tenant stomping their feet in unit above me"

[fsu813]

Originally Posted by jetsfan2012

Wanted to get some insight from those who have relocated regarding this. As noted in my posts on here, I am relocating to Jax and have been searching for condos/townhouses to rent. I found 2, and went earlier this week on a 1 day visit to see them. Of the 2 I saw, 1 stood out, and the property manager and I came to a verbal agreement on moving forward.

I paid a partial security deposit that day, with plans to pay the remainder today(Friday). Now, there are only 1 small problem


1. In the the past 2 days, 2 additional units have come on the market, same sq footage, layout, and 1 my preference(ground floor vs 2nd floor), for $100/month less than the 1 I saw Tuesday.


I haven't signed anything, and my partial deposit I am assuming can be refunded because the unit has not been pulled off marketing yet. If I want the other place, should I use the price as a negotiating point prior to signing a lease, or apply for the other unit, and attempt to recoup the monies invested here?

Thanks,

Just lie and say you have sick sister you have to take care of. He'll give you back the portion of the deposit.

[jetsfan2012]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I will let you know how it goes.