Got approval for an apartment but I haven't signed paper lease yet. Can I still back out? (tenants, refundable)

[pacific310]

I am a resident in Maryland and filed a $35 application for an apartment for which I am approved. I was provided a welcome letter but I delayed signed the lease till actual move-in data. However, it's quite expensive and I am getting a much better deal elsewhere ($250 less per month) and 2 months of rent off.

Can I still back out of the deal signed I was approved for the apartment but never signed the lease (either paper or electronically)?

Thanks

[rrah]

No signed lease typically means no contract. What else did you sign?

[pacific310]

I just signed the application form with pay information and SSN for the purpose of application approval. Apart from that I haven't signed anything, electronically or on paper.

[Mr_Geek]

No lease is no lease. Does the application say anything crazy how you agree to sign a lease? I don't even thing that would legally bind you to do anything.

[parentologist]

Unless you have a lease that YOU signed, that the LL has, you've got no contract and you can back out. But let them know right away.

[RoamingTX]

Originally Posted by pacific310

I just signed the application form with pay information and SSN for the purpose of application approval. Apart from that I haven't signed anything, electronically or on paper.

You’ll just forfeit the application fee, but you can absolutely back out.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Please let them know you changed your mind so that they are not holding it empty for you. They need to start showing it again.

If you have signed no contract, you can change your mind. You lose your application fee and any holding fee you gave.

( and this is why I never hold a house without a nonrefundable holding fee and signed contracts. Too many tenants ask to have a unit held for them while they continue to shop for something better. Don't ask me to hold a house vacant for you unless you are ready to put your money where your mouth is)