Lease Agreement Unsuccessfully Signed: The Manager's Role and Legal Implications

Often, the leasing process is fraught with challenges, sometimes due to the refusal of a manager to sign the agreement. If you signed the lease for your apartment but the manager refused to sign it, where does that leave you legally?

Understanding the Lease Agreement

If the lease is present and signed by you but not by the manager, it means that you and the building manager have an agreement that has not been officially finalized. Generally, the lease agreement should specify who is authorized to sign it. If the manager, who is usually the authorized individual, did not sign, legal recognition may be lacking.

Possible Reasons for Refusal to Sign

The refusal to sign might indicate several underlying issues:

Background Check: The manager might be awaiting a background check for you, and something concerning may have surfaced.

Review of Information: During the application, the manager might have noticed discrepancies that were not evident during the initial application.

Incomplete Application: You might have omitted or misreported information, such as undisclosed pets or siblings.

Personal Factors: The refusal might be based on personal judgments, such as hearing a curse word or sensing a change in the building’s atmosphere during your visit.

Yes, you should speak with the manager. Understanding their concerns can help rectify any issues and possibly expedite the signing process.

Legal Implications and Solutions

Legally, you cannot pursue a matter in court without a signed lease in your name. However, you can explore other legal avenues:

Check Your Lease: Your current lease might revert to a month-to-month arrangement. Consult the terms of your existing lease to see how it would handle an unsigned agreement.

Contact the Upper Management: If the manager who refused to sign is not the person authorized to manage leases, there might be another individual who can sign on behalf of the building.

Legal Advice: For definitive legal guidance, consult a lawyer who can provide you with specific advice based on your situation.

Your friend's witness to the manager's refusal supports the manager's position that no legally valid lease agreement exists. However, your current lease might extend to a month-to-month arrangement, pending a full lease agreement.

Conclusion

While the lack of a signed lease can create uncertainty and tension, it is important to address the underlying issues calmly and professionally. Understanding the legal implications and taking the necessary steps to rectify any issues can help resolve the situation.