Now they don't want the apartment

[Stone Teran]

How do you handle this situation?

The prospective tenant applies, says they want the apartment, pays the deposit and says they will be back in a few days with the rent and will move in.  We don't yet sign the lease.  A few days later, she says that she changed her mind.  Do you keep the deposit or give it back?

[James Wise]

Did you have them sing a NON REFUNDABLE deposit form? If not, just give it back. Then make yourself a NON REFUNDABLE deposit form that you should have all tenants sign.