Background:
I'm a college student and was, until recently, looking for housing in Austin. I liked the Castilian because it catered towards college students and had a convenient location. I was also impressed by the sleek offices and overall well kept facilities. Unfortunately the Castilian is not as rosy a place as they advertise.
To apply at the Castilian I paid a 50$ application fee and later handed over a 400$ Deposit/Activation Fee along with a signed loan agreement.
I had applied and signed for a fall only lease without the meal plan the Castilian offers students. Having accepted my deposit, The Castilian informed me that I would have to fix my loan agreement and purchase the meal plan if I wished to live there, (an additional 860$). I had not been informed that I needed to purchase the meal plan before I paid my deposit. Moreover, the website's pricing page advertises the option to stay for the fall semester without having to purchase the meal plan.
I told the Castilian I would have to reconsider the offer. Since then I have found another apartment and am no longer interested in staying at the Castilian. Upon informing the Castilian of my plans I was told that they did not legally have to return my deposit and that I would have to pay a 500$ cancellation fee unless I found someone to replace my spot. While I may be able to find a replacement I am aware that The Castilian ALWAYS manages to fill all of its rooms and will easily find a replacement without me.
While I do not know whether the Castilian is acting illegally, (false advertising for one), I think it is obvious such business practices are unethical and dishonest.
Apparently I'm not the only one to have encountered such problems with the Castilian. Upon searching the internet for reviews I found numerous complaints of the Castilian using deceitful tactics such lying or fooling current and prospective residents.
Http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/TX-Austin-Castilian-Apartments-College-Park.html
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