Do I have this right not to lease to them the property after giving them the approval because of the exchange of conversation we had? I showed them the property, applied then I’ve given approval letter to rent the property and set up appointment to meet the next day. Next day, tenant texted asking of too many things and became paranoid. I answered most of the questions but triggered that she’s lying when she said that the bank wanted to get the physical address of the owner which I had my PO Box instead on the approval letter. I’ve given my information on the company I work to verify me but insisted of other more questions. Based on the communications being paranoid, I’ve decided not to meet them on the appointment signing the lease contract today and I’ve texted them beforehand. Now, they’re threatening to file a complaint with the BBB and HOA management where the property is located. They bet me that I’m not authorize to rent the property that’s why they will complain to the HOA. Even before I got them approved, they asked a lot of questions on the house when repairs needed and so forth. I foresee them as tenants who will complain of everything at the house that’s why I decided not to lease to them anymore. --24.17.x.xxx

When that happened with one prospect, we informed him that we had a back-up applicant that was ready, willing and able to sign and pay the deposit and rents. He was dragging his feet to try to negotiate a lower rent. He thought we were bluffing. He stood us up for the lease signing meeting, then we rented to the 2nd applicant. A week later he tried to change the utilities over to his name but we are notified when there is a request for this and we told the power company that he was not our signed tenant. He blustered a lot about suing, but he was the one who didn't follow through on the lease signing and he didn't bother to go to court. Some people try to bluster and bully their way in, but they are showing you what a problem their tenancy will be. You don't want a bully in your unit. --208.74.xxx.xxx

Don't rent to him,if he doesn't have the keys he has nothing,BBB has no authority to do anything and the HOA has no authority concerning who you rent to,he is just showing that he is an idiot --24.25.xxx.xxx

"You have a lot of concerns. I need to be able to trust you with my property, and you need to trust me to do my part correctly. What I'm hearing is that you don't think I can give you what you're looking for, and you deserve a place that can meet your expectations, and that you can feel confident about. I'm not going to take your money and make you 'settle' with a place you don't feel right about. Something about this is making alarm bells ring in your head, and I don't know why, but I do know I want you to rent a place that you feel secure about. Moving is so expensive, and is such a hassle. Don't waste your money and your time with a move you don't think is right; you deserve better." --96.46.xxx.xx

Yes, even if there's a moving truck in the drive way. It isn't theirs until possession is handed over via keys. The LAST THING on my checklist is "Hand tenant keys." --173.19.xx.xxx

I think you dodged a bullet (that is the common phrase to describe someone who likes your place but on their terms), we have all had one or 2 and if they had placed a holding fee I would advise that we could split it to be fair but you are entitled to keep it as the unit went off market when they made the -non refundable- holding fee agreement, had they taken the terms you described in your communications then this fee would have converted to a portion of the deposit when the remaining movein money was paid in full and then they would be entitled to the keys and all that follows. So keep showing the unit if you have followed your local/state tenant rules properly. --76.188.xxx.xx

I understand that they want to make sure you own the place, are paying the mortgage etc and are allowed to rent a condon before they move all of their stuff in. But if you have bad feelings now, then follow what the others say above. No lease so you can still back out. --73.33.xxx.xxx

Oh, I see it's a house not a condo. Well, the same applies. They need to know that you have the right to do what you are doing and collect rent from them. --73.33.xxx.xxx

Deanna (TX) -- your response is perfect! "You deserve a place that you can feel confident about." Love it! --98.145.xx.xxx

--47.139.xx.xxx

Thanks everyone for such an informative replies on this matter. I do appreciate all the efforts you put into it and what a relief from all this information. --24.17.x.xxx

Agree with Deanna!!! --184.52.x.xx

I am not a lawyer but my understanding is oral agreements are also binding but to be enforced, there has to be a meeting of the minds and consideration meaning each party has to give something of value to the other party. So while you may have a meeting of the minds regarding the prospective tenant leasing your property if they have not given you a deposit or first months rent, there is not a contract. Even if there is a contract, you can still break it but you will be responsible for damages the prospective tenant occurs which they will have to prove in court. --50.77.xxx.xxx

--47.139.xx.xxx