Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Iowa

My girlfriend recently signed an "Application for Tenacy" and was required to pay 1/2 month's rent to secure the apartment. Due to a roommate backing out, she needed to find a smaller place. She knew there was a possibility that she would lose the security deposit but apparently a line in the application allows for even more charges. The last line of the application states,

"I declare that my rental history and credit records are in good standing & understand that if I am accepted & fail to complete this transaction by signing a lease, any deposit will be forfeited and I may be responsible for property rental obligations until the dwelling is re-leased."

She (and other roommates) were accepted so the owner is now saying they will owe rent until a new tenant is found. It just seemed wrong to charge an applicant for rent before a lease was even signed. Just another example of why you should understand every line of every document you sign. Does she have any options or is she bound by this application?


Asked on 7/25/11, 1:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

You're bound by what you sign and in this case signing it was a very bad idea. Your only option is to make it as difficult as possible for the landlord to collect.

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Answered on 7/26/11, 5:52 am


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