Tenants took 6 days to sign lease leaving us in limbo

[Patty Osborne]

Hello, I’ve been leasing our home in Autumn Ridge on short term. We invited a prospective tenant to move in after app amd background checked well and sent a lease to sign online. They told me that they  would likely sign Thursday ( 6 days ago) when they received company assignment. That didn’t happen and not hearing from them or no deposit, we put house back on market. Last night, 6 days later , they signed and wanting to move in June7. We have not signed and not getting a good vibe even if income and such checks well. Are we legally responsible in any way If we tell them that we’ve moved on anf Deciding on longer termed leases? Thanks in advance😎

[Nathan Gesner]

Tell them it's too late. You shouldn't give them open-ended requests for a decision and you also shouldn't hold a property vacant for an entire month waiting for them to move in.

When you want something from an applicant or a tenant, set a deadline.

"I've attached the lease for your review and signature. If you wish to rent the property, you must return the signed lease and the deposit of $XXXX within 24 hours or we will continue marketing the rental."

Same with occupancy. When someone wants a vacant rental, I will hold it for seven days and then they need to start paying rent. It makes no sense to hold a rental vacant for an entire month when you can likely find someone to move in 2-3 weeks earlier and cut your losses significantly. 

Also consider having them sign something that says the deposit is forfeited if they fail to move in on the approved date. You don't want to hold a rental for someone and then have them back out at the last minute and demand a refund.