Leasing Company Promised You a Refund, Then Ghosted You?
We’ve all been there: you apply for an apartment, trust what you’re told on the tour, and hand over that “non-refundable” application fee.
But what happens when a leasing company says they’ll return the fee and then disappears into the fog of excuses?
That’s the headache one Georgia renter recently shared. After applying for an apartment based on a less-than-transparent tour, the leasing office verbally agreed to return the application fee. Weeks passed without a check or any follow-through from the office, only vague explanations and bad excuses.
So, what can you do when someone promises you money back… and then doesn’t deliver?
Let’s break down your rights, your options, and how to stay one step ahead the next time you’re on the apartment hunt.
Step One: Dispute the Charge (If You Can Prove It)
The most effective action you can take in a case like this is to dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank. Here’s the catch, though: this strategy depends on having proof.
Did you get the refund offer in writing? If yes, great! You’re already halfway there.
A written agreement can be as simple as an email, a signed document, or even a detailed text message that lays out the refund terms.
When you file the dispute, include that evidence with your claim. It tells your bank: “This wasn’t just buyer’s remorse, this company failed to honor a deal.”
If you didn’t get anything in writing, your case becomes a lot harder. Most banks won’t reverse a charge without some verifiable misrepresentation or breach of agreement.
Why Writing Always Wins: Don’t Rely on Verbal Promises
If there’s one golden rule in the rental world (and honestly, in most consumer interactions), it’s this: always get it in writing.
Verbal agreements might feel friendly and straightforward in the moment, but when things go sideways, they’re virtually impossible to enforce. This isn’t just a good habit. It’s consumer self-defense.
Here’s how you can protect yourself next time:
- Ask for documentation whenever a company promises something out of the norm, especially if it contradicts their usual policies (like refunding a “non-refundable” fee).
- Email the company yourself, summarizing what was promised, and ask them to confirm. Even their reply saying “yes” counts as proof.
Remember: paper trails aren’t just for courtrooms; they help you resolve disputes faster and more favorably.
A Bigger Problem? Growing Application Fee Issues
This story isn’t unique, and that’s part of the problem. According to the National Consumer Law Center, application fees for rentals can range anywhere from $25 to over $350. Multiply that by multiple applications during a competitive housing search, and it’s easy to see how costs add up fast.
In Georgia, there are no statewide limits on how much landlords can charge for application fees or how they should handle refunds, which leaves room for abuse. That means renters have to be extra vigilant when it comes to asking questions upfront and holding companies accountable.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Dealing with apartment fees and shady leasing practices? Keep these tips in mind:
- Research first. Look up reviews of the leasing company before applying. Previous renters often share their experiences with hidden fees or refund issues.
- Get every promise in writing. Yes, we’re repeating this for a reason. It’s that important.
- Use a credit card for payments. Credit card disputes offer more consumer protection than debit or cash payments.
- Act fast. If you suspect a company is stalling on a refund, don’t wait. Most banks have a limited window (often about 60 days) to dispute a charge.
Final Thoughts: Your Money, Your Responsibility
It’s frustrating when companies don’t follow through, especially when they make you jump through hoops to get back what’s rightfully yours. But the good news? You have tools. You have rights. And you don’t have to let a leasing company’s inaction become your financial loss.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth pushing back, consider this: standing up for yourself could save you and others a lot of stress (and money) down the line.
Have you ever had to fight for a refund after an apartment application? What would you do differently next time?