united-states rental-property
If I can&#39;t move in right away, must my rent be pro-rated?
<p>My new rental agreement contains the language:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Delivery of Premises:</strong> If for whatever reason whatsoever Landlord does not deliver possession of the premises on the commencement of the term of this Agreement, rent shall be prorated until such time as Landlord tenders possession.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The rental period is set to begin May 1, 2016.</p>

<p>We will be out of state on the 1st, and have agreed (in email) with the landlord to pick up the keys on the 7th, on our way home from the airport, with the intent to move in the next day. </p>

<p>We offered to pick up the keys any time April 27-30, before we left town, but the landlord indicated she would prefer to give us the keys once we returned, for liability reasons, which I understand. </p>

<p>As of right now, the agreement indicates we owe the full rent ($1,100) for May, we have paid the deposit and last month's rent, and will pay the first month's rent when we move in.</p>

<p>I realize it's <em>us</em> that are unable to accept possession of the premises, but it does say "for any reason whatsoever." </p>

<p>We are renting in Seattle.</p>

<p><em>Deliver possession</em> does not mean deliver the keys. It means that the property is legally available to you. It's the legal possession that is delivered. Physical possession is something different.</p>

<p>The landlord has made the premises available to you from the 1st and you are free to avail yourself of it. This is no different for you to being away for a vacation in 6 months time.</p>
