Landlord backs out of lease after i signed it

[jkilman]

I'm trying to rent an apartment in Austin TX. After agreeing to lease terms, rent, etc. I was given a lease to sign. I signed the lease and paid the first month's rent and security deposit on a Friday afternoon (the same day the lease was given to me). On Monday I got a call from the owner's real estate agent saying that they had received a higher offer and were backing out of the lease. They claim that they have not signed the lease themselves, and are telling me that I can still have the place if i want to match the other offer. I don't want to go up on my offer, but I don't want to lose the apartment. Is what they did legal? or should they still be obligated to honor the lease?

Thanks!

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

They should honor the lease. However, I suspect that this may be a scam to get you to pay more for the place. This time of the year is not a good time to attempt to rent to someone. I very much doubt they received a higher offer.

Gail