I advertised my newly renovated apartment on the internet for a reasonable price and unexpectantly received numerous calls. My plan was to rent the apartment at the beginning of the year, around Jan. or Feb. however, it was viewed by two people who wanted the unit right away - which gave me 2 weeks to scramble and complete the repairs from the punch list. They wanted to sign the lease and I met with them to do so 2 days . They signed their part but I did not sign my name. Somehow I was having 2nd thoughts. They asked me to do several things such as remove the dining area chandelier, remove the built-in desk and other things. I wanted carpet to cover the hardwood floors (80%) - I was supplying the carpet. They said they did not want it and had allergies. I found myself adjusting my plans and desires to fit their needs. They wanted me to come to their job to do the lease and also to pick up the application.

What kind of screening did you do? Doesn't sound like you did any? They were rushing you to rent the unit and possibly diverting your attention to not check out their backgrounds?

"They wanted to sign the lease and I met with them to do so 2 days . They signed their part but I did not sign my name. Somehow I was having 2nd thoughts."

and you have not taken any security deposit or funds? Yes you can pull out and cancel the agreement.

I would strongly suggest that next time you do things in proper order. You screen your applicants. The Landlord tells the tenant how to get the applications to them. NOT the tenant. The Landlord tells the tenant where and when the lease signing takes place.

"What is your take."

You're putting the cart before the horse. The way it works is you are the LL, they are the tenants. Landlords make all decisions about how they want to run their business/property. Any tenant coming in making demands like you've described will likely be a pain; most like this would be shown the way out of my house upon the 1st and definitely the 2nd demand.

This sounds like your 1st rental so take your time and don't be rushed. Make sure you've got everything done properly and a schedule in place you can abide by.

There is no contract here...tell them you're sorry but the apt is not ready and wish them well in their ongoing rental search.

I would get out of it and do Not put anything in writing to them! I would just tell them that their demands don't fit your agenda. Don't argue with them.

Nanette, please follow Aldo's Rules:

1-the LL is always in charge

2-the tenant is never in charge

You must not allow an applicant to sign a lease before you have done a complete credit and criminal check, checked with ALL entries on the application (former LLs, their employer, other listed contacts)

These people are already PITAs--and they have not even moved IN! Do not take them. Tell them you will not accept their demands, the place will be rented as you see fit, they can take it or leave it.

Now that you have let these people go tell us what kinds of screening you are prepared to do. This will give you some good ideas of what to do BEFORE you get tangled up. For me, I collect rent plus SD in cash at lease signing. I don't turn over keys until all money is paid and the lease is signed. NO cash NO lease No keys. Likewise the house will continue to be advertised the entire time.