Quote Quoting naudia4
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My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Illinois

Hi everyone,

So I've had a change of plans with my schooling choice and am looking to see if it would be possible to back out of my lease before it starts.

I've signed the lease but I haven't given the landlord a security deposit yet or the first months rent. I was thinking this might fall along the lines of "lack of consideration". The landlord hasn't received any money for rent yet or security deposit so therefore has no reason to provide an apartment.

Let me know if this logic of thinking is valid, "consideration" always confuses me.
As with any legally binding agreement, it is enforceable the moment you sign it, however, because they have no money yet, it would be a giant pain in the butt for them to come after you and get the money. It is much easier for them to scratch this up and get a new tenant, BUT it's more work for them, so they may not do it... depends on the individual. I would ask them.