Renting An Apt - Need Advice

DH and I found a place that we love on Craig's List. Very happy not to have a broker's fee. It's in a condo and the girl who showed it to us rents it and needs to get out of her lease. So today I am supposed to fill out an application and give her a check - a months' rent, a months' security, a $500 refundable move in fee (building) and a $150 condo fee. That's a lot of money to lay out upfront! Is it normal to give a month's rent when you haven't been approved yet?? And what I'm a little nervous about is that I am giving it to her to pass on to her landlord. I'm not giving it to her landlord directly because he's in Stowe. She needs to rent a new place in Brooklyn and is waiting for someone to rent her place before signing a new lease herself. I don't want to lose the place but I also want to make sure I'm not being scammed.

What DH thinks we should do is future date the checks to April 1 (when we'd be getting the apartment), obviously not giving a thing if she says to make it out to her since she was clear to point out this is not a sublease. Then also go to the bank and make sure a hold is placed on the checks until then.

Is there anything else I can do? Does this sound like a scam?

Re: Renting An Apt - Need Advice

I think the one months rent and 1 month security is pretty normal. I'm not too sure about a move-in fee b/c i've never lived in a building.

The bank wont be able to hold the check for you, and they'll probably tell you not to post date the check.

Have you had any contact with the owner? I'd only make out the rent check to the owner.

Re: Renting An Apt - Need Advice

Re: Renting An Apt - Need Advice

If it's the perfect place for you, then i'd go for it. You can always place a stop on the checks before she cashes them if you have a bad feeling...and post date them (even if it is illegal ) for April if she doesn't mind.

Re: Renting An Apt - Need Advice

I would not put the check in her name. Insist that the check be put in the landlord's name. I don't see why you would give the money to her just because the landlord is away. She can't get the money to him any quicker. Besides she's the one who is in a rush to move. You can wait until the landlord gets back, speak to him/her and make sure its legitimate. Maybe he didn't even give her permission to break her lease or maybe she is trying to sublet to you at a higher rent.

Re: Renting An Apt - Need Advice

I see red flags

you should be approved before you give her the move in fee (normal in NYC) and rent and security

this sounds scamish to me

Re: Renting An Apt - Need Advice

Re:

Message edited 6/2/2012 11:00:09 PM.

Re: Renting An Apt - Need Advice

I rent an apartment I own.
My tenant had to supply the refundable check with his application. It doesn't get cashed even if they are approved (provided no damage upon moving in).

The 1st month's rent and security was written out to me the owner. I think it's a red flag if she has you make it out out her especially the security.

Re: Renting An Apt - Need Advice

I would call owner/landlord have him/her draw up contract fax or mail to YOU, you sign and send him/her checks in their name. Keep current chick outta it till its time for her to pack up her stuff and get out.

I would not write out a think until you speak to owner/landlord. There maybe some rules or regulations that need to be discussed before you even concider.

Good Luck.

What is a "move in" fee? Condo fee?

Re: Renting An Apt - Need Advice