Complaint Review: Fieldstone Trace - Ardent Property Management

OK, this place is a joke. Within the 4 years of living there, this place went through 4 separate management teams in the rental office. It was originally Triangle Real Estate Services and eventually ended up as Ardent Property Management. And let me say, each property management was ruder than the previous.

First off, the windows were horrible. You could complain about the windows; however, it would get you no where. You pretty much had to layer on the window insulation film during the wintertime or else your furnace would run constantly.

Secondly, you were charged for water & electricity as a "unit". Regardless of how much or how less you used, it was divided by the number of apartments within your "unit" and then you were left feeling like you paid for someone else's usage.

Third, move out conditions was absurd. Upon termination of my lease, I followed the move out sheet that was given a month prior to move out only to find that the paint store mentioned for the paint used (they only used a certain brand/color) was "out of business". With a little help from the internet, I was able to locate another store location within a few cities. Yeah, good luck trying to find the same paint at Lowes or Home Depot. They don't carry it.

On the move out sheet, it specifically says that "you are responsible for painting, we do not provide touch up paint." I would have never known where to buy the stuff if I didn't ask. And even when I asked, the "new" property manager acted like I was a burden. Well, I painted, I cleaned, and did everything as noted on the move out sheet that wasn't considered "wear & tear".

Now note, I was friends with the original rental office management (when they were currently Triangle) when I first moved in and to my surprise, I was shown a $22,000 damage bill from the previous tenants of my apartment who lived there for 11 years. My mouth nearly dropped. And even once I moved in, I noticed "stuff" that was cheaply fixed, poorly painted, and the bedroom/closet doors were warped and impossible to shut correctly.

All the appliances were newly replaced as well as the carpeting. I even had new bathrooms. Not once did it cross my mind to take any photos or video to have on hand once I decided to move out. Well, my lease was up for re-newel on 10/01/08 and had a notice that the rent was increasing $70. I also noticed month-to-month was the same as a lease agreement. I thought, "Why resign another lease when month-to-month was the same and I could go live elsewhere for cheaper?"

I turn in my notice that I was going month-to-month and immediately, I was questioned why I was not resigning. I asked, "Well, if month-to-month was going to be the same, there is no need to tie myself into another lease contract." I then asked, "What improvements are going to be made to my apartment to justify the $70 increase? New windows?" I was told, "No. Nothing." That was all I needed to begin looking for a new home.

I refused to spend another winter in this icebox. I turned in a 30-day notice (I was allowed this since I did not re-new a lease contract) a few weeks into October. I moved out on 11/15/08. Now, my apartment was not a pigsty. I kept things clean. I spent a few weeks packing & cleaning and wiping things down. I even repainted the walls & the garage.

Just yesterday, 12/12/08, I received a manila folder from Ardent Property Management and inside was a damage bill for almost $4,200 (they applied my $300 deposit to the amount. I already knew I would never see my deposit anyway.) Again, my mouth dropped. I browsed through all the attached paperwork carefully. They "claim" they had to replace alot of things. I was dumbfounded.

For starters, they replaced the entire baseboards through out the entire apartment; doorframes & moldings were also replaced. Labor alone, I might add, was listed around 93 hours (2-1/2 weeks) with a hefty price tag of $2,100. They also charged me for several light bulbs (which I know were all in working order since I made sure, right before I turned in my keys, they were all in working order). Another $100 was listed for "additional cleaning" & "carpet cleaning for heavy traffic".

Since when can a place charge you for carpet after 4 years of residency? It's called "wear & tear". It's not like this carpet was made from imported Egyptian wool. I am so outraged by these additional fees and "materials" used to bring this old apartment back up to its original poor condition. I must add that these apartments are almost 30 years old and are showing horrible signs of aging; it's definitely not Taj Mahal.

I've read many of the comments and have done my research over the internet on Ardent Property Management. My paperwork stated that the "total due" needed to be received within 15 days. Uhmm, yeah. I'll get right on that. I have not had the opportunity to talk to the turnover lady on the attached card nor "TC" yet and I doubt I ever will. I will, however, have an attorney on hand (it's best to be prepared) once the threats & letters do begin. But, I would seriously beware of Fieldstone Trace or any Ardent Properties. Take this from someone who has lived in one.

My roommate & I finally figured it out; the longer you live there, the more they will charge you upon move out. But, if you're into rude management and overly priced move out charges, this place will be for you. They lure you in and screw you over once you move out. I would never recommend this community to anyone.

Outraged
Blacklick, Ohio
U.S.A.