I've been notified my application was accepted to rent an apartment in California. To take it off the market, they want the full deposit today ($2000) and said they would then draw up the lease with my name and go over the terms with me and sign when we do the move-in inspection. Am I exposing myself to risk by providing this deposit up front without signing anything?

My son just rented an apt. in Toronto and signed the lease while putting in his deposit. I wouldn't give any deposit until you see the lease. That amount of money is a lot to put up front without having the paperwork done. I know they are going to say 'no ticky no laundry', but that is what you are up against without being right there to do everything at once. You are at a distance then ?

Tick