Wtf_is_this1234 t1_iznzral wrote on December 10, 2022 at 3:22 PM

Reply to comment by deisjj in What gives, landlords?? by Ecofolux2427

No, it's not illegal lol. It's just unrealistic because most people can't/don't want to put up that much up front.

It is illegal for them to make you pay more than first/last/security/fee up front.

RealtorInMA t1_izojzgf wrote on December 10, 2022 at 5:43 PM

So in practical terms, what is the difference? If OP says, "lease to me and I'll pay up front," but landlord can't enforce a document that says this, because that would be a requirement. they have to sign and accept a standard lease and hope op pays up. Can't pursue eviction until the tenant is late based on the written agreed upon rent schedule.

Wtf_is_this1234 t1_izoktie wrote on December 10, 2022 at 5:48 PM

Sure, and that's why most landlord don't want to bother with the hassle. That said, if OP were offered a lease, signed it and then wrote a check for the full balance of the lease- there's nothing illegal about it- it's just stupid.

RealtorInMA t1_izolc3u wrote on December 10, 2022 at 5:51 PM

Point being, landlord legally cannot use it as a screening criteria, which is why OP cannot use it to circumvent LL's screening criteria.

Wtf_is_this1234 t1_izolia8 wrote on December 10, 2022 at 5:52 PM

Be that as it may, there may be some small time landlords who are willing to take the chance, but as OP is finding, they generally consider it odd and don't want to take it into consideration.