Action to take on rent and deposit not being returned

[Ikenna Okoye]

Hi all,

I recently started a short term rental business. I rented a house under a corporate leasing structure and signed a lease and paid a deposit. The house was furnished mostly so I bought some items to complete furnishings and list on airbnb. Upon moving in i realized that there was a roach and rat issue and knew this would not be acceptable for guests, so I opted to move back out and not continue. I paid a deposit and first months rent but the catch is the lease was never signed by the owner. I will ask a law professional about this, but shouldn't I technically be able to simply get my money back after moving out since the lease was never in effect in the first place? The owner is refusing to return the deposit and rent. Any insight on actions to take would be very helpful, thanks. 

[Wayne Brooks]

If you signed it, the owner could simply sign it now....back dated or not. Your signature indicates acceptance, you’d lose this battle in court.