Rental lease agreement

[Patrick Looney]

Hello,

Need some advice from the BiggerPockets family. I am currently in the process of renting a property in Monterey California. The property management company wants me to pay the deposit and the first months rent prior to the owner signing the lease agreement. Is this normal and is it legal?

Patrick



[Abel Curiel]

Hello, @Patrick Looney.. welcome to the BP forums!

This is normal in my market, not sure about Monterey.

Deposits typically allow prospective tenants to hold a unit for a time period (i.e.24-48 hours) followed by lease signing, first-month's rent, add'l fees... If tenants do not leave deposits, the unit is up for grabs in the landlord's/management's eyes.

All the best to you at your new home!

Abel