I resided at this apartment complex for a year, and never had one delinquent payment. I was never particularly impressed by the complex, vehicles were robbed WEEKLY (including mine, totalling over $500 in damages/losses) and nothing was done for security. Eventually the residents banded together and helped to catch one of the theives, but there were no increased efforts on the property management's behalf, although they were very well aware of the situation. Repairs to the complex were never completed, and the yards are a safety hazard, due to holes everywhere. The parking lot is in terrible condition and caused damage to my car. I was otherwise generally satisfied with the residence.
However, upon move-out, I discovered how truely terrible the company was. When I left the apartment, I left it in PRISTINE condition. Other than one set of cheap blinds that had broken within the first 6 months of move-in, the apartment was in perfect condition. My carpet was covered with area rugs, and visitors were required to take off their shoes to avoid damage. When I left, the carpet was steam-cleaned, although that was not even necessary. There was not one bit of damage or dirt. I actually thought they would be *impressed* by the state of the apartment, considering I took 2 days to clean the place, down to the walls and baseboards.
A month later, much to my suprise, I received an invoice stating I owed NEARLY $700 IN DAMAGES!!! They claimed I owed $170 in heavy cleaning (unbelievable!), claimed every set of blinds in the place broken, and even claimed they had to completely replace the carpet since it was ruined and in no shape for the next resident. I was convinced they had the wrong apartment, since I knew my place was IMMACULATE. I have been requesting the photographs from the complex for over a month and have yet to receive them. The manager was completely unwilling to assist, and I have even gone to the district manager several times, but was informed she would check with the regional manager and still have not heard back from anybody. I have filed complaints with the BBB, but they have not even responded to the complaint.
The same week in which I received the invoice (which, by the way, stated I had 30 days to remit payment) I received a call from their credit company stating they were already reporting against my credit for unpaid charges. I was beside myself. After the 3rd call from the collectors, I spoke with a agent that gave me some very informative, yet disturbing news.
If anybody has signed an apartment lease, they know that upon viewing the property, the agent will walk you through the lease signing. After they explain what each section is about, you sign the lease. One part they neglect to explain within the lease is a small section advising upon move-out you should have management walk through the apartment with you and sign a receipt on the spot. Without that, you are at the mercy of the apartment complex. Now, if you're like me, you expect a company to be honest. Apparently that's the number one mistake consumers make. Theoretically, once you move out, anybody could damage that apartment as much as they wanted (IE, maintenance could accidentally put a hole in the wall, or the cleaning company could potentially damage carpet) but you could still be held accountable since you didn't have them sign that little piece of paper upon move-out.
I explained to the gentleman that I had overview photos of the place and fully intended to take this company to court. I was even more shocked when I learned the following: even if I did take them to court and won, it would still look bad against me. A small portion of the fees were legitimate, such as the final water bill, prorated rent, etc. Which I am not going to dispute, as I'm being completely honest. Even if the judge did find that I only owed those small fees, the judgement would state that he was ordering me to pay that small amount. So instead of showing *I* took the company to court and won, it would appear as though they took me to court for not paying, and the judge had to order me to pay.
In addition, although the invoice was not sent to me until a month later, I realized later that it was dated immediately after I moved out. So even though it stated I had 30 days to pay, they were already reporting against my credit and rental history. The rep informed me they could begin reporting the DAY I moved out! I asked how that was possible, if I wasn't even aware of the charges they were putting against me. It all came back to that receipt. If I had them walk through the apartment with me on the date of move out, I would be aware of the charges.
The gentleman even confirmed that he could see I was a responsible tenant from my records, but unfortunately this is how the system works. I asked where the protection for the tenants was... He responded by saying we are allowed to post reviews and such of the apartments, and file complaints with the BBB if necessary. Well, this particular business is not even with the BBB, and have not responded to complaints whatsoever. They have not even returned my phone calls. I hope somebody reads this review and knows to stay away from this complex and please learn from my mistakes!!!
I am being held accountable for damages I did not do and my credit and rental history are damaged (although I've never made one late payment and was responsible in every sense of the way). What's more, there's absolutely nothing I can do about it.
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