How much money can a landlord LEGALLY ask for?

[rd2rtr]

I was not being asked for a huge amount of cash up front because of bad credit. We never got to the application stage. The suggestion that I would have to put 13000 $$ up front was in an email from a rental agent who had never met me or asked me to fill out an app. She has no idea about my credit. She also advised me it can take 3-5 weeks to get approval. ?? ??? Wondering about that.

I dont object to paying first, last and security but not an unreasonable security deposit. It should not be more than the monthly rent.

[Swimmom32]

Originally Posted by rd2rtr

I was not being asked for a huge amount of cash up front because of bad credit. We never got to the application stage. The suggestion that I would have to put 13000 $$ up front was in an email from a rental agent who had never met me or asked me to fill out an app. She has no idea about my credit. She also advised me it can take 3-5 weeks to get approval. ?? ??? Wondering about that.

I dont object to paying first, last and security but not an unreasonable security deposit. It should not be more than the monthly rent.

No it shouldnt be more than the monthly rent..and Ive never heard of such a thing 3-5 weeks unless its a Townhome that you need board approval for..My dh had a 780 credit score and we put 3 months however it was all equal to the rent amount..If they want more money up front id be a bit concerned and maybe find another Realtor as well..

[WannaliveinGreenville]

Originally Posted by rd2rtr

The agent had never met me , spoken to me, or taken an app so it wasnt because of bad credit. My only contact with her has been email.
She also said it takes anywhere from 3- 5 weeks for approval. How true is that?
I don't object to security deposits , first and last months rent up front, but don't ask for security five times the amount of rent. Anywhere else security deposits equal one months rent or half a months rent.

Total SCAM ! You never met her and so a total stranger wants you to send her $ 13,000 ! ?? Can you DM me a copy of the ad , you can delete her personal info , just send or put it here.

[rd2rtr]

I met her when I responded to an ad for a home rental on craigslist. Below is her text and the rental was for $2200, not $2300 as I wrote in a previous post. In another email she warns me to hurry up and make a decision as it may take 3-5 weeks to get approval. I checked her office out and it appears to be genuine. [/SIZE]
She is no longer working for me. I didn't like her high pressure tactics. I had no intention of handing over that kind of cash. Not that I have it anyway.
This was her message:
The property located at 7080 NW 75th ST (4/2 $2200) OWNER REQUESTS POSITIVE CREDIT REPORT AND $13,400 IN ADVANCE RENT IN ADDITION TO FIRST, LAST AND SECURITY DEPOSIT…

I don’t know if that is an issue or not, but no Chinese Drywall at that one either
[/SIZE]

[Swimmom32]

I will tell you Stay away from Craigs List at all costs..we had one landlord recently ask us for the same thing here in Boca and some idiot wound up paying it..that one happen to be legit but speaking in general No one should hand over that kind of money..On top of what they are requesting...

[skylinet]

That's insane...
she wants 9 months of rent. LOL
It actually says that in the MLS as well.
With that much down you could buy a similar house in that same neighborhood and your payment would be around 1800 with hoa dues, taxes, insurance
That house will be on the market for a long time.

[rd2rtr]

I agree. This much I have learned. They are all very eager until you start asking questions. Then poof..GONE!

[DaniellaG]

In Boca most communities with an HOA can take 30 days to be approved. It could be earlier but they won't guarantee that. I would call up a realtor and explain what you are looking for and they can run a search and email it to you. Or you could start by looking on realtor.com or similar sites.

[WannaliveinGreenville]

Originally Posted by rd2rtr

I met her when I responded to an ad for a home rental on craigslist. Below is her text and the rental was for $2200, not $2300 as I wrote in a previous post. In another email she warns me to hurry up and make a decision as it may take 3-5 weeks to get approval. I checked her office out and it appears to be genuine. [/SIZE]
She is no longer working for me. I didn't like her high pressure tactics. I had no intention of handing over that kind of cash. Not that I have it anyway.
This was her message:
The property located at 7080 NW 75th ST (4/2 $2200) OWNER REQUESTS POSITIVE CREDIT REPORT AND $13,400 IN ADVANCE RENT IN ADDITION TO FIRST, LAST AND SECURITY DEPOSIT…

I don’t know if that is an issue or not, but no Chinese Drywall at that one either
[/SIZE]

Go to Blockshopper.com and the house is there . It tells you alot and there are other sites . She wants $ 13,000 PLUS security and first /last , total SCAM