In response to an ad for a 2 bed 2 bath duplex in Downey, listed in the Pennysaver, called number that turned out to be a 'tenant screening service provided to discerning landlords' Asked to show up to office to fill out application, and told up front of fees (not payment method).
Arrived in office that evening. Office appeared to be recently rented, and I asked how long they had been in business, told 3 years, in Orange County, and 3 months in Montebello.
Went over paperwork, who they were and service they would provide. She stated that she could provide a list of prospective homes for a fee of $55, and because we had no credit/poor credit an upfront security deposit would be charged at $120. I was very uncomfortable with this, and after reading the contract became more uncomfortable. However, I signed the contract, and paid $175. We received the listings, and a personal direct line to 'Suzy'. (she had called herself Lori in one of her stories).
We left the office, and began to drive to some of the listings that interested us, we had specific price range in mind, and also needed a place to accept pets.
The first listing, was listed as a 2 bed 2 bath townhome, when we turned up to the address, it was an apartment building, with no apartments for rent. The next listing, was listed as a 1 bed 1 bath house in Lakewood. This is a nice neighborhood, so we checked this one out too. This turned out to be a 3-4 bedroom large, beautifully maintained family home, no 1 bedroom house in sight.
There were 4 other listings we checked out that night, and all of them were a stretch as to what was listed.
Alarm bells rang, so I called the 'direct line' and it went straight to voicemail box. The message was 'Hi, you've reached my voicemail box, please leave a detailed message and your phone number, and I'll call you back...' I've left one message per day and haven't been called back yet.
I managed to call the office - and someone picked up. I asked for Suzy, and enquired about the Lakewood house, and she told me that 'Betty' had our file and was 'in negotiations' with the owner to set up a meeting that weekend. The weekend passed and no meeting occured.
I called the BBB and they told me there were 4 complaints on record similar to mine, and 5 pending. All made since June. No response or acknowledgment had been received.
I intend to turn up to the office and demand my money back, I also have a contingency plan, as I think this isn't going to go down too well.
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