Deposit questions?

[Jim Russel]

Hey all,

   I recently had a potential tenant contact me stating they wanted a room starting the first of August. I told them I needed a deposit (Half of the first months rent) to hold the room which, they verbally consented to this (I have text message records). I took the deposit, sent them the lease and stopped advertising. They kept ensuring me they were on their way but never signed anything and never showed up. Now they want their deposit back. Am I able to deny them the deposit as we agreed the deposit was to hold the room?

Cheers,
Jim