Saint Louis, MO asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Missouri

Q: Does an unsigned revised lease with modified move-in and move-out dates make the original lease null and void?

I was rushed into signing a 2 year lease agreement via docsign without seeing the property first (although I requested to see it and they ignored my request). After viewing the property, my child had an allergic reaction to the carpet and things were not in good standing at the property. Was not able to move in on date of lease due to the inspection date being pushed back, so they revised the lease and wants me to sign again but after seeing the property in person I do not agree with the house conditions. They are telling me that I am now stuck with their property for the next two years. They are not willing to fix/replace anything in the home that's been damaged due to normal wear and tear. They said the original lease I signed and paid for (with the incorrect move-in date) states that I accept the house in AS IS conditions. (At the time of signing the original lease, I was unaware of the true nature of all of the elements before signing). Can someone please assist? Thank you,

1 Lawyer Answer
Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
Answered
  • Chesterfield, MO
  • Licensed in Missouri

A: You are in a bad position. The fact that you felt rushed and chose to sign without seeing the place is an explanation but is legally irrelevant. You chose to sign nonetheless. If you were not to pay rent and get sued then a court would likely find that the signed lease controls. You’ve raised some issue about habitability but I don’t think they rise to a level that would give you an out. Nonetheless, you could hire an attorney to write a letter and try to achieve and acceptable compromise.

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