<prompt> Human: So, long story short, my SO and I have been on the hunt for an apartment to move into together.About 2 weeks ago, we found one we liked and thought was a good deal, so we put in an application, application fee, and security deposit all-in, about 650. It took them a while to put together the lease for us so we havent actually signed yet, but its ready to sign now.As it happens though we found another apartment in the same area which is both significantly nicer and about 100month cheaper. Although the first apartment is perfectly good, this second one is amazing with wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows, etc.How bad would it be to back out on the first apartment? I wouldnt expect to get the deposit back just because theyve held the apartment for us. Honestly I wouldnt even ask for it back at this point. Wed make up the deposit thanks to the rent difference anyway.Is this going to really piss off the first place or burn any bridges? I know business is business and we havent signed the lease so we have no obligation to take the apartment, but they did process our application, prepare the lease, and hold it for us for 2 weeks, and there arent a lot of quality options in this immediate area should we need to look again in the next few years.  <response>: Wed make up the deposit thanks to the rent difference anyway.I think this answers your question right here, at least from a financial perspective. As for whether how it will upset the original landlord, no one can say, but I personally wouldnt worry about that. I wouldnt expect to get the deposit back just because theyve held the apartment for us. Honestly I wouldnt even ask for it back at this point. If it were me, Id at least try to ask for it back. In fact, you may actually even be entitled to its return, but it all depends upon what the pre-lease paperwork you signed said about the deposit. 