Me and my fiancé are three weeks into our new loft Apt. all together we paid all deposit and pro rate rent because we moved before the first.. Nov.2011.. when we meet up at the loft to get keys ,pay,sign lease.. he tells us he has no copies and will post it on door.. today is the 14th.. we still have no lease.. I was told to put rent in drop box located behind my building but I see no drop box.. I called landlord to inform him I had the rent to pay.. and couldn't find box.. he said to do a money order and leave in said box that way if its stolen ill have a paper trail and fault wouldn't be on me.. however I'm still holding on to this rent for many different reasons.. things need to be fixed that we discussed upon moving in.. I haven't signed a lease.. and I don't feel comfortable leaving my money accessible to the public.. am I at fault or at risk of anything?

... I don't feel comfortable leaving my money accessable to the public..am I at fault or at risk of anything?

Certainly. You are at risk of being evicted for non-payment of rent.

So you still can't find the drop box and the LL has suggested leaving a money order? The LL has asked for payment in that format. If you can get written proof of those instructions (text or e-mail would work), what's the problem? Risk of loss is on the landlord.

Another possible method of delivery would be to deposit the funds into an account designated by the landlord.

But, until you get the signed lease, you are a tenant-at-will. If you continue to not pay the rent somehow you will be evicted.