Tenant makes good faith deposit then backs out Pennsylvania

[Jocelyn Canfield]

Just had a tenant pay a $500 deposit then claim that one of them accepted a job out of state and wants their money back. Of course after receiving the deposit I took it off the market and stopped showing it and turned other people down for the apartment who I had shown it and who were interested. Can't find what the law says about this. I didn't have them sign anything, but made it clear that I wouldn't stop marketing the property until I had their deposit, after which time it was theirs. They made deposit via paypal, so I am guessing they can get it back if I have nothing signed. anyone know what my rights are?

[Andrew B.]

Whether or not you are entitled to it, which will depend on state laws probably, since they paid by paypal they will get every penny back if they dispute. I would start by calling back anyone who you turned down, if you can pick up with them again, and no time is lost I would refund all money. if you cannot, how long were you off market for? I would consider maybe prorating it based on how long you took property off the market. maybe $100 per week. they may accept that instead of disputing with paypal. of course, if they dispute with payapl I would let it go.

my answer is what it is largely based on the fact that they paid by paypal, and I doubt you can fight them. if they paid by money order, my response may be different

fyi I do not know your state specific rights, and doubt you have much since nothing was signed indicating the deposit was nonrefundable.