Complaint Review: American Heritage Property Management Company

I have recently vacated my apartment at 739 Pennsy Road Apt. 1 which is under your their. I was a resident of this apartment for about 3 years along with my boyfriend Chris. During which time we had three different property managers. Eric Morgan, Karen Stafford, and Penny Shaubach. We were in a financially difficult situation so I was always afraid to push any issue too hard for fear of being evicted. Now, under my current circumstances I feel that it is necessary to address these issues to protect other individuals.

Throughout the 3 years that we lived in the apartment we encountered numerous maintenance issues ranging from normal wear and tear to black mold and flooding from the apartment above. More often than not these issues were put off and ignored by both the current property manager and the maintenance supervisor(Tim Yoder). When the problems were addressed in a timely manner, the jobs were left partially completed. For example, on the third day we lived in the residence water flooded through the living room ceiling from the 2nd floor. The ceiling was cut open and spackled, but never repainted. It is still in that condition at present. Another example, when the pipe is our shower sprung a leak a large hole approximately 4'x 2' was cut to facilitate repairs. This exposed the water pipes and valves. The maintenance staff who performed this job stated they would be returning to cover the hole with an access panel the next day, but never did. Four months later, after my boyfriend's 5 year old son touched one of the hot pipes I called the office irate and was told that it wasn't an emergency so someone would get it taken care of within the week.

Most recently, we had a problem with black mold in the bathroom. I called repeatedly and left messages for my property manager (Penny) which went unreturned. After several months I typed a letter and faxed the information which prompted almost immediate action. However, my satisfaction was short lived. The mold was repaired after only two hours of labor. When I returned home I found that the top layer of paper was simply peeled off of the drywall and then spackle was applied. When I called to inquire about when it would be painted I was informed that the job was complete. After two weeks the black mold was again visible in the same location. After making another unreturned phone call, I again put it in writing and faxed it. I have documentation of these instances and dated pictures of the progression of the mold.

Sadly, after living in these conditions for several months and breathing this air my boyfriend died suddenly and unexpectedly in the apartment. An autopsy was performed and the cause of death was ruled as a Pulmonary Embolism. While I am unable to prove conclusively that the mold contributed to his death I am sure that most reasonably informed adults would find this to be a suspicious coincidence.

The day after Chris died I called the property manager to inform her of what had happened and that due to my emotional state I would be unable to continue living in the apartment. I had to leave a message because, as is usually the case, no one answered the phone. After two days with no response I called again and left a second message requesting that she return my call as soon as possible and that it was extremely important that I speak with her. When she returned my call, before I had a chance to inform her of what had happened, the property manager felt it necessary to speak to my in a very condescending tone and inform me that I hadn't left a call back number on my first message, and that is why she was unable to return my call. However, in the next breath, she stated that she had my file in front of her on the desk, which contains several contact numbers.

I was then informed that despite my circumstances I was still subject to the 60 day written notice clause in my lease, and that I was financially responsible for the rent until the 60 days expired. After some thought, I decided to speak with the head of the Property Management office (Richard Gottashall) hoping for some compassion and sympathy. I stopped in the office and requested to speak with him in person. I explained my situation and briefly informed him of the various issues I had had since moving into the apartment. I also offered to provide a copy of the death certificate citing cause of death, which he declined to look at. He asked what my point was and I explained that I was hoping they would consider letting me out of the 60 day clause. He stated that he would speak with the property manager about my complaints and get back to me. I never heard from him again.

About 15 minutes after exiting his office I received a call from the property manager. She began yelling at me over the phone and stated I resent the fact that you told my boss I don't call you back, I always call you back. After a heated exchange she stated that she thought I had already vacated the unit. I told her that I hadn't yet because I was told that I would still be required to pay the rent whether I was living in the apartment or not. I reluctantly remitted payment for the entire 60 days. Only to receive a message from the property manager inquiring why I hadn't yet turned in the keys. I called her back and stated that she would receive the keys on day 60 since I had paid up until such time.

I have since received my move out refund with a letter stating that fees were withheld for general cleaning services, $60, and carpet cleaning services, $112. I did not dispute those fees due to the fact that it was stated in the lease that I would be charged for those services to be performed upon moving out. However, I stopped by the apartment building to visit with the other tenants and found out that I knew the new tenant living in my old apartment. Upon entering the apartment, I was immediately able to see that the carpets had not been cleaned. This was most evident by the fact that the bodily fluid stain where Chris had died was still visible. The new tenant stated that she was informed by the property manager that the apartment was not cleaned. I then asked if she would mind showing me her bathroom. I was less than surprised to find that the bathroom floor was never cleaned and there is a dark stain on the bathroom wall where I had previously had the problem with black mold. I do believe that it is fraudulent to charge an individual for services not rendered.

During the course of our conversation the new tenant mentioned that she too was already having issues with the property manager. She was informed prior to moving in that the apartment is located in Penn Manor School District. Which was her only stipulation when looking for a new residence. However, when she went to her son's school to complete a change of address the school informed her that he could no longer attend because her new address is, in fact, located in Solanco School District. I do believe it is fraudulent to knowingly mislead an individual for financial gain.

I sent letters containing the above text to both Penny and Richard requesting a refund of $172.00 for services not rendered as well as a written apology. Not suprisingly I have not received a response. I resent that after living in these conditions for so long and paying my rent every month that these people felt it appropriate to treat me like this at such a difficult time. I resent that while I was picking out burial clothes and making funeral arrangments I had to stop more than once to call these people because they lack the professionalism to return a phone call.

Whitney
Holtwood, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.