I am a broke college student who was set to graduate 9 months after I would need to sign a lease, I had everything set to move when the apartment complex I was going to (Hunters Ridge) highlighted a 4k repayment plan should I not stay the full 12 months. I dont have 4k to giveaway, especially when Im telling you up front Im only here for 9 months. I found out 2 days before my move and had to scramble to find another apartment. I walked into Park Commons and explained my situation, they stated while they do not do short term leases this sort of thing happens all the timejust give us 60 days notice and 1 month extra rent, plus forfeit your deposit and were good-but we dont have anything to document that-so just sign here. I arrive for my leasing signing (they insist we do the day before the move) only to discover that office hours of 9-6 are flexible as I leave work early to arrive at 4:30 and no one is there nor will they be until the following morning after my movers will have arrived (scheduled at 8). I have a third floor unit, which quickly reveals in a St. Louis august that there is no a/c. I am unable to stay with my pet for the first couple days until this is fixed. Once thats handled I realize I have no fireplace. Dont worry-they say-we wont charge you for it. HA! Im so thankful and grateful that you wouldnt charge me for something you promised but never delivered. My a/c just went out again in our most recent heat spell. I also discovered the sinks are a very cheap plastic when a hot object burnt a hole in it. Surprise surprise, they replaced the plastic with porcelain which wouldnt have burnt had it been installed in the first place. Yes, folks-this is the luxury of living at park commons.
When it came time for 60 days notice, I was told, oh no-its 30 days notice and 2 months rent. (swallow here-ok fine). Then I get some BS call back about how market rent is actually $150 more per month and Ill need to pay that back to leave as agreed upon at signing, bringing my grand total to $3,801-ironically close to the 4k Hunters Ridge wanted. It saves me 1k to keep the apartment. That makes sense? At least Hunters Ridge was upfront and honest about their fees. The smart aleck new office manager at Park Commons-a recent hire since my residing at this community-offered to highlight in my lease where I had apparently agreed to such. I dont need anyone to highlight how they will be screwing me. She suggested I speak to the employee whom I signed the lease with-which I did and WHOM CONFIRMED my situation and story for the newly hired office manager, but that doesnt matter-they apparently have it in writing and dont care what they say or do to get you to sign. This same office manager harassed me for not rearranging my travel obligations to see this leasing agent on 1 of 4 days they are apparently employed at the complex. Im relieved that my decision not to cancel a trip was Once youve signed they have no reason to do the right thing. Legally right doesnt equally morally right. But, no one said there was any morality in the staff of Park Commons and their owner Thiemann Real Estate. Dont assume just because you have morals and an employee will admit providing misinformation that this community will do anything but take whatever they can get from you. My erroneous judgment came in trusting the leasing agent and not getting every word in writing. Please dont make my mistake. I can only assume they need the money more than me. Having done business with them-I can certainly understand why.
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