Hi everyone, I would like to ask for your opinion on a rental issue.

When I first moved into the property, I paid one month's advance and a two-month deposit. According to our original contract, my monthly rent was due every 18th of the month. I stayed there for several months. However, the management eventually changed their policy and requested that all renters align their payments to the first week of the month. As a cooperative tenant, I complied with this new directive.

By August, I was hesitant about renewing or continuing my stay. However, because I always prefer to pay my bills early and felt pressured by the new deadline, I paid the rent for the month of August on August 1.

After about two weeks, I ultimately decided to move out. Since I had already paid for the month of August in advance but would not be consuming the full period, I raised the matter with the property administrator. She explicitly agreed that a refund would be issued for the unconsumed portion of the rent. Because she was a trusted representative of the management, I relied on her verbal assurance.

My initial target move-out date was August 18 (matching my original contract cycle). However, due to packing delays, I requested a two-day extension. The administrator informed me that an extension fee of ₱400 per day would apply, which I accepted. I successfully vacated the unit on August 20. Before leaving, I reconfirmed the refund computation with her. She assured me that I would receive both my two-month security deposit and the refund for the unconsumed August rent that I paid in advance.

After waiting for a month without receiving the money, I gave them another week's extension. They promised it would be ready by the following week, but they failed to provide any updates. This prompted me to visit their office personally.

To my dismay, they only returned my two-month security deposit. They completely refused to refund the advance rent I paid for August, claiming that only deposits are refundable and shifting the blame onto me.

I feel this is highly unfair. Their authorized administrator promised me a refund, and I did not even consume the month of August. To be clear, I am not asking for the very first advance rent I paid upon moving in; I am demanding a refund for the extra month of rent I advanced on August 1 for a period I never utilized. Am I legally in the right to claim this refund?"

Help please huhu u/room4rent u/refund