Help with a landlord/tenant situation

[Ain't Talkin' Bout' Love]

Okay guys, here's the deal: I'm moving into a new place in September 2007, but the construction of the place doesn't start until May 1st. The contractor/landlord wants a $450 first month rent payment and a $350 damage deposit at the signing of the lease later this week, otherwise he can't guarantee this place to me and my girlfriend. Tommorrow I'm calling a lawyer to make sure this is safe, but what can you guys tell me? Do I fork over $800 and trust this guy to build the place, or do I look for a different place? I know of horror stories about contractors and landlords, and I need to be sure that if this guys screws me, I can sue his ass off and he can't take off. I think I'm being paranoid because this guy has built before, 24 years experience, and has two businesses in this town. Even so, what do you guys think? Thanks,

[muffdiver]

He probably just doesn't want to get screwed himself....

If he has business in town and rents other places ,I'd think it's cool..
Like I said, he probably is just covering his own ass.I've got another place I rent out and I've been screwed over a few times cuz I didn't check the people out. Got late rent,or no payment, holes in the wall,fucking spray paint in the basement,etc....
It bugged the shit outta me, cuz it was the first house I ever bought and my Dad and I put a lot into it.....

So maybe he's just making sure your kinda responsible...I dunno....
You should check him out too though....

[Ain't Talkin' Bout' Love]

Thanks dude, will do.

Anyone else?

[darthadv]

from how you describe him, he sounds reputable... if you have any reservations, you can run a background check on him...

[Nostalgia Act]

Dig up some dirt on him. All landlords have a shady past. Or maybe plant drugs on him. Take pictures of him with a hooker( that you provided)

Find out if he was ever an alter boy. And lastly ask him if he prefers Sam Or Dave. Renters have rights too bro.

Good Luck.

[Lightning Fingers]

Get everything in writing, along with witnesses present during the signing of the contract. Make sure there is a clause that he can guarantee the place will be available for you to occupy by a specified date. If he can't make the date, then ensure the contract states that he has to refund the entire amount to you for failure of fulfilling the contract.

[FORD]

Do you guys have any specific set of landlord/tenant laws in Canada, like most states do here? It's probably good to keep a printed copy of that handy if you do, or at least be familiar with the website if it's online. Ours is connected to the Attorney General's website, so whatever the Canadian equivalent of that is might be a good place to start.

[muffdiver]

Yeah, that's a good idea......There are plenty of laws up here too....

[LegallyInsane]

Do you guys have any specific set of landlord/tenant laws in Canada, like most states do here? It's probably good to keep a printed copy of that handy if you do, or at least be familiar with the website if it's online. Ours is connected to the Attorney General's website, so whatever the Canadian equivalent of that is might be a good place to start.

FORD has given the best advice yet. Since most of us live in the US, the advice we give likely has limited value. Still, a little investigation to see if this particular landlord has had an unusually large number of complaints or lawsuits would be a good idea. You have every right to be cautious and are smart for attempting to play it safe...

[Ain't Talkin' Bout' Love]

Yeah I'll find a form online, Thanks Ford.

[racefan8]

I basically skimmed the responses here, so if I repeat, I apologize. I don't think I saw anyone point out the fact that y'all should be signing a lease, which should be legally binding on both sides. Deposits are very typical in rental agreements. And yes, renters do have rights too. Heck, in Cook Co, Illinois, they have more rights than the owners. I would not give any cash without a binding lease signed by all parties. Don't sign anything with blank spaces, either.

One thing that I noted was that he expects to have construction completed within 4 months. Now this is average, but you may want to see what provisions there will be in case you cannot move in on Sept 1.

Sounds like the guy is reputable and established in your area. I wouldn't worry too much once you have that lease. Good luck

[Ain't Talkin' Bout' Love]

We're signing tommorrow, if any of you wanna know how it turns out I'll post.

[Lightning Fingers]

We're signing tommorrow, if any of you wanna know how it turns out I'll post.

Good luck and make sure you get a refund clause in that contract if the landlord backs out or doesn't meet the date of occupancy specified in the contract.