Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Realtor taking actions without my consent

Hello, I had put through an

application to rent an apartment

with a realtor.In less than 24 hours I

called back to cancel my application.

He said the landlord had not done a

credit/reference check yet and he

would call to cancel. After 2 days my

deposit and application fee checks

were cashed even though the realtor

had assured me he would call to stop

the application procedure and my

checks would not be cashed. He

never called the landlord because he

said he figured the landlord wouldn't

accept me due to my bad credit! The

landlord had no idea and still thought

I was getting the place so he

rightfully doesn't want to give me

my money back. After all this, the

realtor had said that he would pay

me out of his pocket but now he is

saying he is not giving me the

money back. The landlord cashed

checks and checked my credit

without my consent because the

realtor didn't want to tell him that

his client wasn't taking his property.

The realtor wanted to keep a good

relationship with the landlord and do

business with him in the future.

What should I do next? I am

prepared to take legal action.


Asked on 7/02/07, 4:29 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Re: Realtor taking actions without my consent

The problem you have is proof. If all you did was call and never sent a confirming letter or email then you have a claim he said /she said case.

I am not sure the Landlord is entitled to cash the check if you simply applied and no lease was signed, notwithstanding what the application says unless the check is for the cost of the application itself and in that case it has to represent a reasonable cost.

Assuming the amount is less than $1,500 I suggest you file a claim in small claims court against the realtor and the landlord.

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Answered on 7/02/07, 5:02 pm
Christopher Vaughn-Martel Charles River Law Partners, LLC

Re: Realtor taking actions without my consent

You may have a consumer protection claim against the realtor. Please contact me if you would like to further discuss the details of your situation.

[email protected]

www.vaughnmartel.com

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Answered on 7/02/07, 5:45 pm


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