When I collect the holding deposit I have them sign a written agreement that they forfeit that deposit if they do not pay, sign a lease and move in by X date....If you don't have a written agreement I suppose you could still keep the deposit since they are unable to perform their part of the deal, and you held the place off the market for them.

But once you stay after knowing something isn't right you forfeit your right to complain.

We were willing to forfeit the earnest money since we are aware that what we are deciding to do is a real hassle for all those involved, especially the seller.

If you are beyond the inspection period then you ought to be able to forfeit any deposit and walk away no questions asked.  

I just wouldn't want to submit an offer, have it accepted, then find out the inside needs a ton of work and you have to forfeit your deposit to back out of the deal. 

It has been forfeited for non-payment of taxes.

As a Broker, I have purchased 200+ HUD Homes over the last 20 years and it represents approximately 90 % of my flip inventoryAs a agent bidding on a HUD property , the restrictions are no different than any other purchaser with the exeption of agents working for the Listing Broker are prohibited for bidding on homes for themselvesYou can absolutely reduce and even forfeit your commission by placing $0 in the buyer's agent commission field.

Lease Purchase then is much smarterLease and Sale and PurchaseBuyer forfeits 3 % if they do not close and get financing, California maximum EMD@Allen MarisSee an attorney

Give them timely notice so you don't forfeit any deposit.

I told them in the lease it states you will forfeit last month rent and security deposit if you move out early, right away there was this other guy there with her and right away he started to accuse me of fraud by "claiming" I had her sign a different lease then what I have.