Is it acceptable legal practice to collect a deposit for the rent with the application prior to having the application accepted?
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Is it acceptable legal practice to collect a deposit for the rent with the application prior to having the application accepted?
Asked on August 16, 2012 under Real Estate Law, California
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
California, as opposed to other states, has very specific rules regarding security deposits and how they can be used. It is permissible for a landlord to charge and accept a deposit during the application process. This deposit may or may not be considered a "security deposit". It's important that you know if it's a security deposit or a "fee deposit" because you are not entitled to the refund of a fee at the end of the lease or if you are rejected as an applicant. Here is a link to a site which will help you with that distinction.
http://dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/when-rent.shtml#rulesgoverningsecuritydeposits
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Custom and practice in the rental industry is first to accept a deposit for the unit prior to accepting th applicant as a tenant. The amount varies in locale. Once the person is confirmed as a tenant then the written lease agreement is submitted for signature by all parties.
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