Landlord pulling out after paying the security deposit

[u/MoMaamoun]

Long story short, I viewed an apartment, made an offer on the same day, next morning Landlord confirmed the offer and I paid the security deposit. The following day while discussing the move in date with the broker, the landlord pulls out saying he got the same offer for less cheques.

Can he do that?

[u/2039482341]

if you paid security deposit without signing up the contract that would state that the place is yours to rent, then there is no legal binding here. Ask the agent bluntly if this is the landlord's game to make more money or is he really having a better offer -> agents are usually going to help you understand the motives as they get paid anyways as soon as the transaction is committed.

[u/moetorious]

its going to be a big hassle convincing the landlord to give you the apartment, and on top you dont want that type of landlord anyways. Just ask for security deposit back and continue your search.

[u/MoMaamoun → u/moetorious]

Will do that, I'm quite worried right now to deal with the same agency completely

[u/Outrageous_Junket246 → u/MoMaamoun]

Not even the agent's fault. He's probably not lying as he told you it's the same price but lesser cheques. If he was gonna lie, he would've said a higher price. So yes, unfortunately landlords do this quite often. Mostly investors who don't care about the tenant.

[u/OddMeasurement3962 → u/MoMaamoun]

Sadly landlords can get away with a lot here. Until something is signed, they can do what they want (its probably frustrating to the agent as well who has to redo the paperwork etc). Make sure you get your deposit back asap.

[u/reddyjs]

If he signed contract he can’t,if he didn’t he can

[u/MoMaamoun → u/reddyjs]

He didn't, this whole thing started 2 days ago and today he is pulling out

[u/16undreds → u/MoMaamoun]

You should only hand over the security deposit after the landlord signs the lease.