1. On Monday the 21st of July, myself and four Friends Applied for a rental approval. We Gave the Landlord $100.00 total, which covered all fees.

2. Recieved A phone call on the 22nd of July, stating that we were approved.

3. Visited the rental property in question on the 25th of July. We were satisfied with the accomodations, and proceeded to give the landlord 4 seperate money orders totaling #1,335.00. At that time the Landlord then Changed the terms of the original lease agreement, Saying that he would email a New copy to each of us individually, and we left the property.

4. On the 26th of July, he emailed the revised copy of the lease agreement to each of us. There were no details on time duration, Late payment penalties, damage deposit, cleaning deposits, etc.

5. On the 28th of July, The landlord was called and was informed that we were no longer renting the property, due to the lack of the legitimate lease specifics.

6. On the 30th of July, the landlord sent out individual emails, stating “ Best case scenario, we have been damaged 20 days rent or $1120. If this amount is divided by five, each of you would recieve your original deposit minus $224.00

7. I Find it incredible that an individual would hold me open to any type of agreement that 1) has not been signed, nor 2) states the terms of the lease agreement, and then penalize us to the tune of this money. Is there a simple solution here? That is, while i do not wish to pursue a legal remedy, my parents will. I am trying to find an organization that will give both us, and the landlord a way to go. Please advise

Originally posted 2008-07-31 22:07:41.