Early September on 2005 I was looking for a location to place a store. I grew fonder of this one location with a garage on the side so I can park my cars. After meeting with the landlord several times at the location and discussion of rent and alterations to be made before I moved in, I gave him a check for $2000 for the security deposit. He then told me he would work on the lease and get back to me when it was ready.

He completed some minor work in the store which included taking down a dividing wall that went to the ceiling and, and removing about 10 panels of slat wall from the walls.

We were in discussion about putting a new doorway in the main wall and a few other minor things. After a few days went by, I began to change my mind about the location I was about to rent and I wasn’t happy with how long it was taking to get the new doorway.

As I became busy with my job time went by, and 2 months had passed. I was mad because I knew I would not be open by Black Friday for the big sales. I then called up the landlord and told him of my displeasure and that I no longer wanted to rent from him and I wanted my money back. He told me he would give me half of it back. I refused and stated I wanted the whole amount back. I told him I would take him to court and he said to do that.

I never signed a contract with this person, and I never even had the keys to walk in the door. I want to know what I should be concerned about here as far as oral contracts. There was never an actual move in date discussed, and as part of our discussion, I was to get 1 month's rent free. All of the details were not even discussed about renting this space. Is it my fault that he began to do work without a contract?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

I live in PA.

Getting back half the deposit is fair since he undertook repairs based on the oral agreement. You can try to go to court but by the time you factor in costs, you won't really do any better. This is my take. COnsult a local atty for theirs.