Holding the lease while we're out of town

Question

Two friends and I found and paid the first months rent on an apartment. When we called to sign the lease we realized none of us are going to be in town on the 15th, which is the day we'd be able to move-in. We were told we have to be physically present in the office to sign the lease, as well as have the security deposit paid in full before receiving the keys. Do you think it would be possible to pay for the security deposit, then ask for an extension on signing the lease?

Answer 1

I'm sure the landlord won't care if you sign the lease before the 15th and just date it to start running on the 15th, so long as they have their money in hand.  They may not give you the keys until the 15th or later but you are still guaranteed to have the lease.  

Just call them up and tell them you are out of town on the 15th, I'm sure they will have some other way to handle this.

Answer 2

just ask to use a fax machine to sign the lease for now, and then you'll come in when you are back in town to sign an original copy.  The main thing is to get the payment to the owners in time.  They might be willing to postpone the lease signing until you get back, but why not sign the lease before the 15th, and just swing by to pick up the keys when you get back into town?

Answer 3

That's what I'd do, but be sure the deposit is refundable if the landlord doesn't hold the place. And know that if you change your mind you may forfeit the deposit.