An actual earnest money deposit is NOT a requirement of valid consideration or a valid contract.I believe, but have absolutely no evidence, that this is a national courts interpretation/decision or a generally accepted interpretation of contract law because of how similarly I've seen it phrased in different states.Not to say that there aren't states that interpret it differently, but the dozen or so I have researched are all the same.In Texas at the least, I have had this discussion with several very well qualified attorneys, and they all agree that earnest money is NOT required for a valid and enforceable contract in Texas.

If such premises or any part thereof be re-let by the Owner for the unexpired term of said lease, or any part thereof, before presentation of proof of which liquidated damages to any court, commission or tribunal, the amount of rent reserved upon such reletting shall be deemed to be the fair and reasonable rental value for the part or the whole of the premises so re-let during the term of the re-letting.

It was very simple I just went to the court house and asked where to go.

@Austin Gleason No I went to the County Recorders Office, which in my case was next to the court house.

@Andre Vitalis - you could always try going down to the court house to see if a note was recorded.

At least courts are hearing eviction cases in Memphis now.

Question, when the courts open up back and if a flood of foreclosures go through, wouldn't there be pressure on the federal government to have a refinance program akin to the TARP Program (Troubled Asset Relief Program)?

Is there any way we can report it to the credit bureau as a company without filing at small claim court. 

Make sure you have them sign a lease termination form stating the date the lease will end so that you have something to take to court the next day when they become squatters in your house because they can't find anything else.

Maybe your eviction courts are lenient on certain things or certain economic classes of people.As far as you and the manager being in the loop regarding knowing about this firearms threat, you might have a lawsuit exposure if you don't do the right thing as defined by your legal jurisdiction.