1st & last refund?/ no signed lease

By Cindy

I paid 1st and last on a place even though the landlord had failed to bring a lease (he said he would have it ready).  The next week my mother, who I live with, became very ill and now is afraid to live alone.  I can’t leave her now and so I’ve asked for a refund.  The landlord said that he will pay me back only if he’s able to rent the place.  He has it listed on Craigslist as being ready to rent on July 1st.  There’s still a lot of work to do before it’s ready to rent.  Can he keep my money even though I never signed a lease?  I paid the money on the 12th and notified him of my change of plans on the 20th.  He still has 10 days to find someone else.  Thanks for any help or advice.

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Holy Cow, we couldn't find any other related post. Sorry. :(