Can a landlord change the deposit of an apartment after the lease agreement is signed

Question

I like in Little Rock, Arkansas. I was trying to get an apartment for 375/mo with a 200 deposit. After the lease agreement is signed, I get a call after I am driving down the road. I am told because of no past renting history, they have to increase my deposit to $375. Are they allowed to do this? If they try, can I seek legal action and sue for the violation of a lease agreement?

"Security Deposit. Upon signing this Lease, Tenants shall deposit with Landlord, if not already so deposited, the sum of $200.00 which Landlord shall retain as security for the full and fateful performance by Tenants of all promises, conditions, and agreements in this Lease. Landlord shall not be required to apply said Security Deposit to any charges or damages for Tenants failure to perform the promises and agreements of this Lease, but may do so at thier option. Landlord's right to possession of the premises for non-payment of rent or for any other reason, shall not be affected by reason of the fact that the Landlord holds the Security Deposit. The Security Deposit if not applied toward the payment of damages, repairs, utilities or costs, including attorneys fees, and as specidied in Section 4 above, suffered by the Landlord by reason of Tenants breach of the Lease, shall be returned to Tenants within thirty (30) days from the termination of this Lease. Landlord shall not be required to keep the Security Deposit as a separate fund, but may commingle the Security Deposit with its own funds. Holding or applying the Security Deposit shall not limit Landlords right to exercise all remedies under this Lease and/or provided by law, nor shall Landlords recovery of damages be limited to the amount of the Security Deposit, less appropriate charges apply."

That is what the deposit section of my lease agreement says.

Answer 1

No, the lease is signed and $200 is the amount agreed to.  You only need to pursue further action if they deny you possession of the unit.

Answer 2

I dont believe they can. the lease is a leagaly binding agreement to which the pair of you agreed to. you should be able to get away with that. Provided you have also already paid the deposit as the lease clearly states that it is due upon signing. If it is not paid then you are out of luck because you have already violated the lease.

Answer 3

Typically the tenant signs the lease first and gives copies of the lease to the landlord along with required funds (first month, last month and security deposite...what ever is legal in your state).

If the landlord did not sign the lease then the lease is not a legally binding contract.

If you have a copy of the lease signed by all parties the contract can not be changed.

Unfortunately, the landlord can change the lease if he has not signed it.  In my opinion its bad business but legally acceptable.

Answer 4

I moved from Arkansas to Oklahoma last year, so I'm not sure who I could call to help you. Here is a list of apartments in Arkansas that you can call. http://www.findanapartmentonline.com/Ark... I'm sure someone can help you.



Good Luck!

Answer 5

Once you signed the agreement saying you would give them 200.00 they can't increase it. They could have before you signed, but not afterwords. If they want to include the extra fee in there they have to void what you signed before and have you sign a corrected copy. Do NOT let them push you into giving them more money. Good luck!