Lease signing & move-in date (apartment, lease agreement, deposits, fees)

[Applebum]

A couple weeks ago my family paid holding fee for an apartment with move-in date 6/10. In a little bit, apartment manager told us that the apartment we paid holding fee for wouldn't be ready until 6/14 and they have a better deal instead with move-in date 6/3. He insisted he couldn't change the move-in date for us for later. Ok, whatever. We said we were ready so sign the lease for the apartment with move in date 6/3. And the manager told he would e-mail us the agreement to sign. So it's 6/3 today, still no agreement in e-mail box. Bank will be closed at 1 pm today and I won't be able to get the money order to pay all fees.
Should be there any gap between sign date and move-in date in the lease agreement? They took holding fee for the apartment, but we didn't move-in at selected date, should they return holding fee for that?

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Applebum

They took holding fee for the apartment, but we didn't move-in at selected date,
should they return holding fee for that?

Were they ever going to return the fee?
Usually it is applied against the deposit when the lease is signed.

A couple weeks ago my family paid holding fee for an apartment with move-in date 6/10.
...wouldn't be ready until 6/14

I'd hold out for the first place offered.
Turn their bait&switch ploy on it's ear.

Should be there any gap between sign date and move-in date...?

There often is and for many reasons.
The real issue is when/whether the deposits and rents are paid and unit being ready.

Don't pay a deposit, let alone rent, on any unit not ready to be moved into at that time.
If the unit is ready and YOU are not... be prepared to pay some extra rent.

[Applebum]

The main issue is how to sign electronically lease and then get money order from a bank within 1 hour (not even a day)? If we are signing the lease today staying at our home then they expect us to bring them money order today to give us keys, I suppose.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Applebum

The main issue is how to sign electronically lease and then get money order from a bank within 1 hour?

That horse has left the barn. Hasn't it?
You need to think about Monday morning and what you'll want to do then.

Since nothing else has been executed (or you're desperate for space) pass on it.
If you are really want this alternate unit then meet in person to do business.