Landlord keeping the deposit

[HerdU92]

My husband and I recently put a deposit down on an apartment in Columbus, Ohio. We decided not to take the apartment because the landlord never revealed that there was going to be a surcharge of $25 for only signing a six month lease. We were notified on a Wednesday that we were approved for the apartment after leaving a $150.00 security deposit a week prior. The next day when I called to make arrangements for move in, that was when I was notified of the $25 extra fee. When my husband went to the apartment complex on Friday, he was told the deposit was now non- refundable because they had prepared the apartment for our arrival and they could have already rented it to someone else if they had known we were going to back out. We had not yet signed the lease agreement and would have never left a security deposit if we had known about the extra $25. Is the apartment complex within their legal rights to keep our deposit?

 

[LL]

I don't know anything at all about Ohio, but I would expect that the landlord is within their rights.

Next time, before you committ yourself to anything, be it an apartment, a new car or a spouse, be sure that you know exactly what you are getting.

 

[LL]

I don't know anything at all about Ohio, but I would expect that the landlord is within their rights.

Next time, before you committ yourself to anything, be it an apartment, a new car or a spouse, be sure that you know exactly what you are getting.

 

[archarrell]

In WA State, it is required that the applicant be notified that the deposit is non refundable it they are accepted and then refuse to take the rental.
This is normally shown at the bottom of the rental/credit check application form.

It may be better to pay the $25 than to lose the $150.
So take the apartment, unless you want out for another reason. Maybe there's a better deal down the street.