Rental Refund Question
I apologize in advance if this is a basic question, but I don’t really have anyone to ask for advice.
I was in the process of renting a room on a 1-year lease and received a rental agreement by email to sign. I was asked to e-transfer a $550 security deposit to confirm the room, with the understanding that the lease would be signed afterward and the first month’s rent would be due on move-in.
I sent both the $550 security deposit and the first month’s rent. However, due to an urgent family health issue, I had to back out of the rental around May 8th before moving in. I did not sign the lease or receive the keys.
The landlord refunded the $550 security deposit, but I have not received the first month’s rent back. I understand the deposit may not be refundable depending on the agreement, but I am unsure about the rent payment since I never moved in and never signed the lease.
I am currently unemployed and in university, so the amount is significant for me. I am not trying to escalate anything unfairly, I just want to understand whether there is any realistic chance of recovering the first month’s rent or if this is generally considered lost once paid.
Any advice would be appreciated.