If apartment complex wants me to sign the lease 2 weeks before move in, is that necessary?
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If apartment complex wants me to sign the lease 2 weeks before move in, is that necessary?
I have paid a deposit on an apartment unit in a new complex to hold the unit; I’ve been approved for the unit. It is not available for move in until the 25th of next month because it’s still occupied by the current tenant. The front office wants me to sign the lease on the 8th which is 2 weeks before my move-in date. Is that right? Should I sign while a tenant is still in the unit and I haven’t even seen it? What are the legalities?
Asked on February 22, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Texas
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
I personally would not sign any lease for the unit that you want to rent until you have had an opportunity to personally do a walk through and inspect it as to condition and whether or not you even want to rent it. It makes no sense for anyone to agree to rent real estate sight unseen.
You are under no legal obligation to sign a lease for a rental that you have not even inspected. I suggest that you stick to your guns and tell the landlord that you will not sign any lease until you have had a chance to inspect the rental.
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