Apartment Review for Royal York Apartments - Pittsburgh, PA

I viewed several apartments but did not sign a lease--however, I did write a $545.00 check for a security deposit to hold the apartment while the lease paperwork was finalized. They were very friendly and more than happy to take my money. Less than a week later, I ended up finding another apartment that I liked better (with another landlord). I called Sterling Land immediately and was told by the receptionist that since I was canceling more than six weeks in advance and hadn't signed a lease, that my security deposit would be refunded. The receptionist stated that she had the check right in front of her and that it hadn't been cashed yet...and that she would not process my rental application or cash the check.

I then verified in writing (via e-mail) with the leasing agent that I was not going to sign a lease and wanted my security deposit returned. I heard nothing more for them for another two months--until they cashed the check I wrote for the security deposit even though the apartment had already been rented to someone else! I tried repeatedly to contact them after I noticed the check had been cashed, and they repeatedly ignored both phone calls and e-mails for over two weeks.

While the actions of Sterling Land were not illegal (I did, after all, write the check), I find this behavior extremely unethical and would highly recommend that others avoid doing business with Sterling Land Company for this reason.