I live in Michigan and paid an earnest money deposit of $350.00 that will go towards my security deposit if I am approved for the house. If I am denied the money is to be refunded. My question is, does a landlord have legal amount of time to accept my application and give me a lease or to deny me? It has been over a week with no word and the property is still listed on Craigslist as available.

Depending on many factors, are you using a agent, or dealing directly with landlord.
When you made the application, did they tell you how long.

A week is very little time, if they are doing background searches, past work references and more.

You will need to call and ask them when a choice will be made.

Uh oh. This has sounds of a scam. Have you seen the house, met the landlord? Is the rent too good to be true?
Just for starters... craigslist is full of scams. It could even be a house that 'someone' shows who doesn't even own it, and who collects this 'earnest' money from as many people as possible before skipping out on his rental of the place.
I would never put down a dime this way.
Sorry if I'm wrong and being alarmist, but either scenario is quite possible.

I agree with joy, this is not an uncommon scam. Did you see the property? Did you meet the person in an office? Did you do anything to confirm they have the right to rent the property?

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

I agree with joy, this is not an uncommon scam. Did you see the property? Did you meet the person in an office? Did you do anything to confirm they have the right to rent the property?

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I did see the property in person and I met with the landlord twice, both times at the house, though. I also ran my credit report to confirm that she had run my credit,she did. Everything seemed to be in order. My concern is more of a time issuse. The landlord does answer the phone if I call. She is just really taking her time. I read that in some states there is a 7 day law where you must be accepted and given your lease or returned your deposit in that time.

That's good news. I don't see any time frame listed for MI. But I would call her and tell you need a decision or the return of your deposit.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with politely insisting that she give it back on the grounds that it is keeping you from other possibilities. In all my years as a tenant, I only was asked for a deposit once, and I walked out. I was also a landlord, and still am. Would never tie up $350 this way.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

That's good news. I don't see any time frame listed for MI. But I would call her and tell you need a decision or the return of your deposit.

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That is exactly what I will do. Thanks, Scott.

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Originally Posted by joypulv

There is absolutely nothing wrong with politely insisting that she give it back on the grounds that it is keeping you from other possibilities. In all my years as a tenant, I only was asked for a deposit once, and I walked out. I was also a landlord, and still am. Would never tie up $350 this way.

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This will be the first and last time that I hand over a deposit. Thanks, Joy!