Can I back out of a rent negotiation if no lease is signed but email back and forth has happened?

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Can I back out of a rent negotiation if no lease is signed but email back and forth has happened?

I recently applied for an apartment rental as the current tenant was offering a sub lease. My application was approved however there were many errors in the lease document that I was provided which I went back and forth via email with the rental agent to get fixed. Finally when we had a finalized I document and took it to the apartment, I was unhappy with the condition of the apartment and asked for that to be fixed before I sign or take possession. Meantime I got a better offer on another place that I would like to take. Its been 3 days total since I originally sent my application.

Asked on July 5, 2012 under Real Estate Law, New Jersey

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

A lease is a contract and a contract can be negotiated until you are blue in the face.  And the bottom line is that if you ar still not happy with the end result then you do not have to sign it.  So no, you are generally not legally bound through emails unless the emails can be seen as the contract in question, but that does not seem to be the case here. I would have some one read everything to be sure.   Good luck in the new place.


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