Backing Out of a Tenancy After Approval and Receiving the Lease
My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: NJ
I met with a landlord (LL1) to view a property for rent, and agreed verbally that I would like to rent the property. I e-mailed the landlord my proof of employment, credit info, references, and the landlord sent me a proposed lease agreement.
Subsequently (the next day), I was contacted by another landlord (LL2) and informed that another property which I had previous interest in had become available when a tentative lease agreement fell through, and I would like to take that one instead. I have not signed a lease, or even agreed to all of the terms yet with the first landlord (i.e. deposit amount, repair terms, etc.). Am I bound to anything with the first landlord (LL1)?
Re: Backing Out of a Tenancy After Approval and Receiving the Lease
Although the full facts can affect the outcome, generally where a landlord requires a signed lease before the deal is sealed you can back out (subject to potential loss of a holding deposit) before you sign the lease. But it's possible to envision a fact scenario where a binding tenancy was entered whether or not the lease is signed, so the full facts matter.