I moved into this apartment back in February of this year to be in a closer distance to the school I'm currently attending (I'm only 20 years old, attending the local community college). I choose this location based on it's age (it was brand new and had just opened in January of this year, 2009), proximity to school and price. At first, I thought it seemed great, as it seemed like it would be perfect for what I needed. Now, I'm starting to wonder if it's worth the hassle.
First of all, the majority of the tenants are low-income. Generally meaning, that either they can't earn a high income for one reason or another, whether that being the lack of time (students) or that they can't get a better job for some reason or another (addicts, mental problems, job shortage). Those that aren't (I know of atleast 2 tenants), are technically in violation of the advertised requirements on the website (and in addition, the city's permits).
Since it's been open as of January this year, we have already had a dryer broken since the beginning (multiple verbal complaints), several broken exterior doors (personally complained about verbally multiple times), been false advertised to (they've actually taken away things they claimed they were going to have) and had almost a total lack of maintenance staff.
There has been homeless people sleeping in the stairwells (atleast twice) inside of the complex, the pool and hot tub has been so dirty you couldn't see the bottom or obvious dirt in the bottom (even from the 3rd floor, assumed they don't clean them until they get extremely dirty), there's people regularly smoking marijuana and cigarettes on the 2nd floor and first floor (listed as non-smoking), constant dirt and trash on all floors of the interior and exterior of the complex (futile attempts to clean and done in violation of water shortage regulations), almost all doors of the entire complex are faulty (don't seal, don't close easily, don't close, or don't lock) even with an attempt to replace sealant on doors (it was actually made worse and they never finished all the doors) and more.
There is multiple counts of obvious false advertising: verbal ("you will be getting this later on" or "we're planning on putting this in"), written on the website, written in emails (to another tenant), written in the lease, and even some that they have attempt to hide (as in, they said they would be doing it and tried to remove evidence of it). For example, the theater room, which is clearly listed under Amenities on the website, we were informed we would be receiving this room and that they were under construction. Another tenant has an email from February stating it would be here in 30 days, it has now been 8 months and no construction has been done since then. They are currently using it as a storage room. I was told that it would be "put in soon" and I haven't seen any attempts to do anything with it. Originally, the complex advertised Hotplates (still visible in the floor plan along with furniture we don't have), which were later removed (they were up when I looked on the website) and scribbled off of the lease. The Manager told me we couldn't have them, after I was previously recommended to get one by the person who helped me sign the lease. The fitness room is a singular piece of equipment in a room that's been left unlocked for months (this took them atleast 6+ months to put in, even though it was advertised that it was here). Tenants are smoking on property and not being dealt with appropriately.
At this point, I and 2 other tenants have been attempting to take action against the complex by means of government services, however we have not gotten to the point of a legal suit yet (no lawyer or upfront money for it).
I have personally had a building inspector come in who said it was "ok" structurally, but personally observed several maintenance problems, once of which he photographed, and also referenced me to several agencies for the problems. Since then, I have had a Health Inspector file a complaint to the complex and get that fixed (I waited 10 days from the point I discovered the leaking and molded pipe in the parking garage to see if they would notice and fix it before calling). I had to personally call the dryer/washer company to get that fixed (I'm not sure if it has been fixed), even with multiple verbal complaints by tenants. I have called OSHA about the broken elevator, which they have 3 months to fix before they loose their permits (which have never been posted properly). It's already been half a month and it isn't even listed as out of order or anything. There was a previous city inspector here, but I'm suspecting he may have been paid off, as we've had another one come in and discover multiple serious problems (as of last week). I have not yet filled a complaint with Better Business Bureau, as that requires giving out my information (I do not want to get blackmailed and harassed further, like the other tenant I know).
I have already put in a negative review to google maps and found another on apartmentreviews.net . Further suggestions and help would be appreciated, as this situation is creating major problems with my schoolwork and health.