I am a property owner and I found a tennant who wanted to rent my property. I wrote up the lease and tennant and I signed it. I always take security deposit at time of lease signing, but tennant didn't have check book, so I said she could mail it to me. I started to get a bad feeling about new tennant based on some phone conversations that led me to believe that she was stalling. I spoke with her on the phone and made my concerns known to her and gave her the option to get out of the lease. She accepted, but it was only verbal. Is there anything I need to do to make this legal? I assume that since I never received the deposit, that she is in violation of the lease, so am I covered? Is there anything else that I should do to cover myself? Thanks,

Craig

If she hasn't paid the security deposit as outlined in the lease agreement, then yes - she broke the lease agreement.

In the event that she decided to change her mind and act like she never backed out of the agreement and pursue you in court she could probably be held responsible for paying out the remaining balance of rent for the duration of the lease period (depending on what state you're in).

As long as you don't turn over the keys you have nothing to worry about. Your big concern here is that she does not get into your property. Always trust your gut instinct when it comes to tenants. She is in default of the lease agreement not you.

Thanks for the replies. That makes me feel a lot better. This is a great resource. Thanks again,

Craig