Need Legal Advice for Refund of Rent in SFO (San Francisco: renter, lawyers)

[sfo415]

I am moving to San Francisco, and I thought found a perfect for place for rent. I video chatted with renter that is looking for roommate. I currently do not live in San Francisco, and I live in another state. The price was not stated in the ad, and I agree to pay $950 for 3/10/2019 to 4/10/2019. Until this day I still not live at the place, and I live in another state.

I contacted the individual recently, they told me instead of the stated amount of $950/mo I have to pay $1200/mo plus a security deposit of $1500. If I was told this information on March 10, 2019, I would have not rented from this individual. I requested a refund, and renter is refusing to provide me a refund. I reported this issue to my bank and law enforcement. The female individual is now accusing me of harassing her for asking for my rent money.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

You can wait until you move here and sue them in small claims court, or contact your small claims court advisor where you live and ask if you can sue them in your local court.

Keep a copy of the ad and your cancelled check for renting the place.

[sfo415]

I am planning not to move at all, and I paid through venmo. They stole my start up cost to get by the most month until I get paid from my new job. I rescinded my job offer with the federal government. It sucks to, because this was my dream job. I called the sf rent board, union, and lawyers they are all useless. I just wanted to know the laws to see if I am entitled for a refund. They all told me we can't take your claim and provide advice over the phone. I have to file small claims case in San Francisco but there court fees are outrageous.

Thanks for my stupidity

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

If you can file a small claims court lawsuit locally, then you can have them served in CA. Probably cost you around $50. Rather than end up with a judgment, they'd probably pay you.

[Electrician4you]

Originally Posted by sfo415

I am moving to San Francisco, and I thought found a perfect for place for rent. I video chatted with renter that is looking for roommate. I currently do not live in San Francisco, and I live in another state. The price was not stated in the ad, and I agree to pay $950 for 3/10/2019 to 4/10/2019. Until this day I still not live at the place, and I live in another state.

I contacted the individual recently, they told me instead of the stated amount of $950/mo I have to pay $1200/mo plus a security deposit of $1500. If I was told this information on March 10, 2019, I would have not rented from this individual. I requested a refund, and renter is refusing to provide me a refund. I reported this issue to my bank and law enforcement. The female individual is now accusing me of harassing her for asking for my rent money.

You’ll probably have to go to court. She changed the terms of the agreement