Rescinding offer of Apartment - Landlord Forum thread 323528

Rescinding offer of Apartment by Anonymous on August 29, 2014 @07:47

My husband and I own an apartment building with multiple 1-brm units. We have one that is available for move-in on September 1st. We had a prospective tenant look at it earlier this month. It took him 4 days to fax us the application, and then when I processed his app and told him he could have the apartment if he wanted, it yook another few days to get a yes from him. Ok, hes a busy man, it takes some time for him to respond. So, then it came time to set up the meeting to recieve the $500 deposit to secure the apartment. It took days to arrange, and then the tome would come and he would say he couldn't make it. So he asked us to email the contract so he could look it over. Then when we finally made contact again, he said he would sign it and drop it off in our lockbox. When he finally does, I receive a text from him saying he dropped it off with $100 cash and would give the rest in 5 days. What??? So, the 5 days come and go, and he hasnt dropped it off. So I text him. He responds that he got out of work too late, couldn't get to the bank, so now he will drop it off in 2 more days. So by then I had just had enough. i told him we rescind our offer. We didnt sign the contract. We didnt deposit the money. I ask him where i can return it to. He simply txts back with his address. Then 10 minutes later he writes "I'll do the rest." Did I mention he is a local Attorney? Have I broken any laws here? I turned away many prospective renters after he said he wanted it, but I would rather advertise again than have to deal with chasing down money every month.

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Re: Rescinding offer of Apartment by John Brayton (Massachusetts) on August 29, 2014 @08:38	[ Reply ]

I think you are fine here. John

Re: Rescinding offer of Apartment by Bill on August 29, 2014 @09:33	[ Reply ]

This is just one of the many reasons you should never rent to lawyers. If you did, expect to face many delays in collecting the rent each month and expect many complaints along with a list of items for you to repair or replace. Eventually, he would start filing papers that you will need to hire a lawyer to respond to.

Re: Rescinding offer of Apartment by Anonymous on August 29, 2014 @10:14	[ Reply ]

No, you have no broken any laws. You did perfect. Make sure you send him his money back in the form of a check. You also might want to send it certified mail to prove he got it (I use USPS Priority Mail because it's track-able and cheap and convenient.) Never rent to attorneys!

Re: Rescinding offer of Apartment by Anonymous on August 29, 2014 @11:15	[ Reply ]

It doesn't matter if he's an attorney, unless you're trying to skirt the law. You correctly handled this as you would any other PITA, just move him along. It sounds like he has time management issues or money issues.

Re: Rescinding offer of Apartment

Re: Rescinding offer of Apartment by NFL_LL (FL) on August 30, 2014 @20:32	[ Reply ]

As someone who has worked with many attorneys, let me say that you did the right thing. Attorneys are notorious for using the "I'm busy and didn't have enough time because I am an attorney" excuse for their failure to get things done. Let me assure you, if it's important to them, they get it done in time. He's also using texting to avoid you. This is why I don't text on matters of importance. I could write a book on the subject of attorneys and their BS. No, you don't have any obligation since no contracts were signed and full consideration was not exchanged. You dodge a bullet here. Good for you. This is not legal advice and not intended as such. This is merely my opinion. For legal advice, contact an attorney.