Complaint Review: Realty Management Services

In March of 2005, I fell when the elevator in a property managed by Realty Management Services, Inc., Colesville Towers Apartments in Silver Spring, Maryland, missed the floor. My left knee immediately began to swell and I called the Manager of the apartment to witness that I was injured. I told her that I would be seeking medical treatment and I asked for the company's insurance info. The manager agreed that I should see a doctor. I was given permission to have the bill sent to the company.

I went to the emergency room and was referred to an orthopoedic doctor for follow-up treatment. When I went to the orthopoedic doctor, I was told that an agent of Realty Management Services, Inc. had informed the doctor that the company would not be responsible for my treatment. The doctor refused to see me. This was the beginning of the unethical treatment that I received from this company.

I learned that Realty Management Services, Inc. did not have a valid elevator certificate for the building because the elevator had not been inspected by the State of Maryland. The company did not have a valid certificate on the date of my accident and for 4 months afterward. When the company finally did get a certificate, it did so by not reporting that there had been an accident on the elevator. Nor, did the company have the elevator inspected by the State of Maryland. When I learned of this matter, I contacted the State myself. The inspector came out and cited the company for multiple violations of the safety code.

In February of the following year, after the company's insurance company, Firemen's Fund Insurance, learned that I had permanent nerve damage to my legs and lower back, subsequent to the fall, the company invoked Maryland's Contributory Fault Law, which says if the accident is 1% my fault, the company does not have to pay me.

During the time that I lived in Colesville Towers, The entire building was infested with mice, gnats, roaches and mold. I made repeated reports to the agents of Realty Mangement Services, Inc./Colesville Towers about the infestations. Finally, in the spring of the following year, I ended up in the emergency room with worst asthma attack of my life.

I reported this matter to the Montgomery County Office of Landlord Tenant Affairs to no avail. The office accepted a report from the attorney for Realty Management Services, Inc. without even conducting an inspection of the building. I later learned that Realty Management Services Inc., enjoys favored status with County and State Officials. This information is available in an online interview with the company's owner, Beth Ross. The interview is titled, "On the Rise."

In June of 2006, my attorney told me that the insurance company for Realty Management Services, Inc./Colesville Towers, was deliberately withholding settlement from me, in order to cause me to lose my home.

In August of 2006, I finally succeeded in getting an inspector from the county to come to the building. The company was cited for multiple violations, but it was too late for me. The company secured the judgment without the right of possession in September of 2006. I called the Sheriff's Office and spoke to Deputy Ingram to find out how much time I had to leave my home. He told me, in the presence of two witnesses, that I had two weeks from the date that I received the notice.

To my horror, the sheriff's department arrived before the time that I had been given. I was out helping a friend with her sick mother-in-law when the marshalls went in and put my china, crystal, lines, oriental rugs, family heirlooms and furniture out on the sidewalk. I later learned that agents of Realty Management Services, Inc. told people to go out and take my belongings.

I really learned the power that this company has when I finally filed suit against them. The attorneys for the company did not answer the Summons or show up for the initial hearing. They had made no attempt to contact the Court, or me. I filed a Motion for Summary Judgment. Imagine my amazement when I received the denial of the Motion, in violation of the Maryland Rule of Law. After I learned the revenue that the company brings into Montgomery County, I knew that I could not get a fair trial in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County. Hence, I filed a Motion for a Change of Venue, citing prejudice by the Court.

I have reported this matter to the U.S. Justice Department for investigation. I urge everyone reading this message who has had a similar experience with Realty Management Services, Inc., its sister company, Ross Development, which is owned by the husband of the woman who owns Realty Management Services, Inc., any of the properties which these companies have developed or managed, specifically Colesville Towers, to contact the United Stated Department of Justice about your experience. Let's send the message that might does not make right.

Lynn
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
U.S.A.