Is it legal for a landlord to ask for first, last and deposit?
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Is it legal for a landlord to ask for first, last and deposit?
I am about to sign a lease to rent a place and the landlady is asking for 1st month, last month and a deposit to move in. There is a extra deposit for my outdoor cat, which I understand, and is no problem but I was told by a friend who is a landlord that they were 95% sure that you are not allowed to ask for both first, last and deposit; you can only first and a deposit.
Asked on July 5, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Idaho
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
I have looked throught the guidelines issued by the state attorney general's office and I see nothing that limits the landlord from asking for the first and last month's rent in advance of signing the lease, along with a security deposit. I would ask your friend where they got this information from or call a landlord tenant attorney to confirm. Good luck.
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