Beware Renters!!! I was taken for a Thousand dollar ride (Sarasota: sales, broker)

[kbuild]

Hey, everyone Just to let everyone here know I had a bad dealing with a Realtor who rents local properties on Sarasota's Craigslist.

I gave the individual a Thousand dollar deposit to hold the property.
and to have a background check on the individuals website.

I had to backout because my landlord would not allow us too terminate the lease early.

So, I emailed the individual and I was told it was to late (MY THOUSAND DOLLAR CASH DEPOSIT IS GONE)

The individual explained even though I do not have a signed lease or a signed rental agreement, they can take my $$$$$


I have given this individual ample time to return my deposit, though they will not.


DM me and I will give you the info on the Realtor and the company.

I do not want to see someone else taken.

[Peter the Brit]

If he she has acted dishonestly report them to their Board of Realtors and their broker

[Rushmore]

Originally Posted by kbuild

The individual explained even though I do not have a signed lease or a signed rental agreement, they can take my $$$$$

Uh, what does the document you have with the realtor say? Did you just give them a check for $1,000 without a receipt or any sort of signed document?

Something doesn't sound right here.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Rushmore

Uh, what does the document you have with the realtor say? Did you just give them a check for $1,000 without a receipt or any sort of signed document?

Something doesn't sound right here.

That's what I was thinking. Why would you be giving the Realtor a $1k deposit if you had no agreement? If you do have an agreement then you should read what the stipulations are before you sign it.

I don't handle rentals but generally the way it works is that you give the person/Realtor a deposit to hold the property off the market so you can rent it. If you can't preform then you lose your deposit. That's why you make sure you can follow through before you give a deposit. I'm assuming it works the same way as a sales contract. You don't preform, you lose you deposit.

Hmmm....Can you explain?

[kbuild]

She gave me a receipt for $1,000.00 Cash and says " deposit to hold" a week and a half before moving in.

AI had to backout, so she still did not have the lease ready or an agreement with me or wife's signature on anything.

[kbuild]

Originally Posted by Peter the Brit

If he she has acted dishonestly report them to their Board of Realtors and their broker

I have thanks.

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by kbuild

Hey, everyone Just to let everyone here know I had a bad dealing with a Realtor who rents local properties on Sarasota's Craigslist.

I gave the individual a Thousand dollar deposit to hold the property.
and to have a background check on the individuals website.

I had to backout because my landlord would not allow us too terminate the lease early.

So, I emailed the individual and I was told it was to late (MY THOUSAND DOLLAR CASH DEPOSIT IS GONE)

The individual explained even though I do not have a signed lease or a signed rental agreement, they can take my $$$$$


I have given this individual ample time to return my deposit, though they will not.


DM me and I will give you the info on the Realtor and the company.

I do not want to see someone else taken.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought your deposit should have been in escrow? OMG...personally, I'd out the realtor!

[bbronston]

I'm not aware of any situation where a deposit can be taken and not returned without a carefully spelled out agreement that you and the agent or landlord have both signed. Deposit money and advanced rent must be handled in a narrowly defined manner according to the Florida statutes. If the events are as described without omissions, I'd say you should call the broker and, if you don't receive satisfaction, consider contacting an attorney. You may be able to find one who will provide an initial consultation at no charge.

[kbuild]

My wife said the same thing (she is a ex-realtor).

[kbuild]

Originally Posted by bbronston

I'm not aware of any situation where a deposit can be taken and not returned without a carefully spelled out agreement that you and the agent or landlord have both signed. Deposit money and advanced rent must be handled in a narrowly defined manner according to the Florida statutes. If the events are as described without omissions, I'd say you should call the broker and, if you don't receive satisfaction, consider contacting an attorney. You may be able to find one who will provide an initial consultation at no charge.

I have a receipt from one of those carbonless books that can be purchased at Staples, that says " hold security deposit of $1,000.00"

There is no other agreement or signatures.