Are email agreements legally binding?

[Benjamin Cho]

If I told someone "yes, I will rent my house to you" via email, but nothing has been signed, am I legally stuck with that person as a tenant? Or can I rent out to someone else? Getting conflicting answers.

Hi guys, new to renting out my property. I have 3 candidates.

Candidate A was the first person to ask about renting. Wants the whole place (2 bed/2ba) at a discount from Jan-May 2026. I wasn't getting a lot of bites at the time, so I said "yes, I can rent to you for x amount for 5 months." Figured something is better than nothing.

Candidate B and C both reached out shortly after and said they need a place ASAP because they are starting their first year of medical school next week. Full rent for a year.

Sent them all applications, candidates B & C completed everything right away and passed background/credit check. It's been 3 days and candidate A has not completed anything.

I would really like to move forward and send lease agreements to B & C and let A know that the house is no longer available. But since I previously did say "yes", could there be any legal repercussions for changing my mind? Help!

[Russell Brazil]

Quote from @Benjamin Cho:

If I told someone "yes, I will rent my house to you" via email, but nothing has been signed, am I legally stuck with that person as a tenant? Or can I rent out to someone else? Getting conflicting answers.

Hi guys, new to renting out my property. I have 3 candidates.

Candidate A was the first person to ask about renting. Wants the whole place (2 bed/2ba) at a discount from Jan-May 2026. I wasn't getting a lot of bites at the time, so I said "yes, I can rent to you for x amount for 5 months." Figured something is better than nothing.

Candidate B and C both reached out shortly after and said they need a place ASAP because they are starting their first year of medical school next week. Full rent for a year.

Sent them all applications, candidates B & C completed everything right away and passed background/credit check. It's been 3 days and candidate A has not completed anything.

I would really like to move forward and send lease agreements to B & C and let A know that the house is no longer available. But since I previously did say "yes", could there be any legal repercussions for changing my mind? Help!

Id say they have to still complete the application and screening. You said Yes, to one particular term, renting for.5 months. But they still havnt actually applied for the unit.