surprise holding fee

[PAhold99]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

Hi.

I don't live in the US. I am visiting Pittsburgh for 6 months. I had agreed on a short sublet from landlord by email. He asked for security deposit and first months rent when moving in. He then took the ad off on craigslist. The room isnt avilable until 1st september. I visited the house and was disappointed and felt it was very different from the ad. I don't want to live there.

Also when visiting the house I found out he sold the house.

I told the land lord I did not want to sign lease with him anymore. He says I owe him money ("$250 which is normal security deposit for backing out") because now he doesnt have tenants to move in next sept 1. I was never told there was a cost for holding the place. ANd im not sure if holding is correct, as it isnt available yet.



what do i tell him?

thanks

 

[Zigner]

If he's sold the house then he has no standing to collect rent from you. At this point I'd say just ignore the guy. You don't owe him a penny.

 

[PAhold99]

I am sure hi is still the owner but has already agreed to sell to someone.

But still just because they never told me about cost of backing out I dont think I have to pay them now.

 

[Ohiogal]

I am sure hi is still the owner but has already agreed to sell to someone.

But still just because they never told me about cost of backing out I dont think I have to pay them now.

You are setting yourself up to be sued. And if sued, you may very well lose.

 

[954Rental]

If you didn't pay yet why would you? Why would you agree to rent a place without looking at it in person?

 

[Silverplum]

If you didn't pay yet why would you? Why would you agree to rent a place without looking at it in person?

Why would you respond without reading?

 

[PAhold99]

If you didn't pay yet why would you? Why would you agree to rent a place without looking at it in person?

I wanted to arrive with my mind at peace knowing I would have a place to live. I agreed to take a look a the house and then decide if I wanted it. I didn't sign any lease or form.

 

[PAhold99]

You are setting yourself up to be sued. And if sued, you may very well lose.

I am thinking of paying him.

I think I should make it clear to him that it is not a payment I was expecting to make. He should be clear about policies and communicate them well, especially with people who are not from US.

 

[954Rental]

I am thinking of paying him.

I think I should make it clear to him that it is not a payment I was expecting to make. He should be clear about policies and communicate them well, especially with people who are not from US.

If you have money to throw away pay it. Next time rent a motel for a week and look around and find a place in person. That's what I did when I moved to Florida, it was actually a small studio hotel room.

 

[justalayman]

I don't live in the US. I am visiting Pittsburgh for 6 months. I had agreed on a short sublet from landlord by email. He asked for security deposit and first months rent when moving in. He then took the ad off on craigslist.

Am I correct in reading that that you did not pay a security deposit nor any rent?

Did you sign anything such as a lease?



the one thing that doesn't make sense is:

how is it a sublet if he was the owner of the property? Not that it makes any real difference I can think of, in itself it just seems odd.