[undergrad010]

I have recently paid a deposit and signed a 6 month lease for an apartment in Louisiana. Usually rent and first months rent are paid at the same time but we agreed I would pay deposit first then rent one week later. This is shown on the lease. A day before I was to pay rent, the landlord called to say that they had mistakenly rented to me when they had already rented to someone before, they were waiting on this persons deposit. They are now trying to give me another apt. for a higher price. My question is if I paid the deposit first do I have the right to the apt? And can she charge me higher price for a different apartment if a lease was already signed stating a cheaper price?

[Tazam]

If the copy of the paperwork denotes what said apt. # or unit for rental you placed a deposit for, you might have something on them. But, I would suggest trying to get the deposit back now and move on. This landlord sounds like they don't keep good records. But, take into consideration as for how many Apartments He/She manages, owns. He/She should at least honor the amount monthly and note the adjustment in your signed contract, then possibly increasing the Security Deposit to cover floor coverings and paint in the event you default or damage (not saying that you would). At least something like halfway/split the deference etc.. Maybe mention in the contract if that you stay longer the price goes to the higher amount after six months. If they don't do that I would walk! You can be for certain He/She will push you around later. One would like to think you might just stay longer if you had too or wanted too, or may perhaps refer another person sometime. Be persistent and use diplomacy.