Fontana, CA asked in Landlord - Tenant for Iowa

Q: This apartment are saying I owe them money and I don’t live there and didn’t move in. And told them 90 days before.

I was talking to people at this apartment and they sent me sometime to sign and I didn’t understand what I was signing but now they say it was a lease and I didn’t move in and I don’t live there and I told them multiple times I’m not moving and they say I owe them money what do I do

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: Here’s what you can do in this situation:

First, it’s important to get a copy of whatever document they claim you signed. If they’re saying it’s a lease, you need to see exactly what’s in it and whether it includes any terms that bind you to paying rent, even if you never moved in. Sometimes, leases can lock you into payments unless you properly terminate the agreement, so getting clarity on that document is key.

Next, look into your communications with the apartment management. If you have anything in writing—emails, text messages, or letters—where you told them you weren’t moving in or that you canceled the lease before the start date, that can be critical in defending your case. You mentioned that you told them 90 days in advance that you weren’t moving in. If that’s documented, it might help you show that you didn’t intend to go through with the lease.

If they keep pushing for money, you may want to contact an attorney who can help you look into whether you’re legally obligated to pay. Depending on what you signed and how you handled the situation, you might not owe them anything. But, don’t let this drag out too long—if they send the bill to collections or file a lawsuit, it could hurt your credit or lead to more serious legal trouble. Having an attorney review everything sooner rather than later is your best move to figure out whether you can fight this or negotiate a solution.

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