I signed a lease on 9/14 and my landlord refused to let me have access to the apartment because she said she was waiting for the hardcopy of guarantor's form to come through. She is now saying that I owe her rent for that time I didnt have access to the apartment. Is that legal? My understanding is that she HAS to give you keys when you sign a lease, regardless of where the guarantor's form stands. I would greatly appreciate any help on this issue. thanks.
If she blocked your access to the apartment, then she violated and breached the lease (unless the lease itself discusses waiting for the guarantor- but even then that clause would be of suspect validity). You should demand a credit in writing for the time that you were locked out of the apartment. If the LL refuses then you have to decide how far you want to take this.