Complaint Review: The Summit at Warner Center

On June 1, 2016, my roommate and I rented a 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom unit at The Summit at Warner Center. It was our first apartment living on our own. We anticipated top tier customer service, maintenance, etc, as the amount of rent was $2,482.00, and it was, what we presumed to be an erudite area.

We were told by the leasing agent, that we were getting a 'steal' since it was a high-class area, specifically since 'The Village' had recently been built in that area, and the amount of rent was minimal in comparison to all of the other apartments and rental properties in the area

What we were shown was the model unit, of where we'd live because the actual apartment was not ready yet, and/or the tenant had not vacated. I asked the leasing agent if we could see the actual unit that we'd be occupying, so we would know what we would be getting into.

I was immediately and emphatically told that we'd be able to see the unit about 2 weeks prior to our move-in, as that was when the tenants would have vacated. Upon seeing the unit, after it was officially remodeled, I noticed a few minor things that needed fix, and asked if what I saw on the ceiling of the garage was mold, or a water leak, and if there was mold in the laundry room behind the door. The leasing agent said, "I am not a mold expert, but I will ask".

Against my better judgment, my roommate and I moved in...the areas where I thought there was mold were either painted over, or electrical tape with paint over the problem areas. Fast forward to March 8, 2017, I had not been feeling well, and asked my physician to do a 'Mold Panel'...my lab reports show that I tested positive for mold exposure. I complained to Resident Services and maintenance called me and let me konw that they'd take a look at it, and let me know their findings, as I told them that I believe there was mold noted on both windowsills in the bedroom, and other areas in the apartment and the bathroom, and possibly in the vent in the bathroom.

Upon returning home from work that evening...I noticed there was paint along the windowsills in both bedrooms. I sent emails and voicemail messages, asking what they found if anything, and why they painted the window sills...no response.

I decided to contact the Public Health Department, and had them do an inspection. (It is noted that there was possibly at least 4 areas of mold). The Public Health Inspector told me she'd contact The Summit and let them know the had until March 24th I believe to correct the violations...they never did.

Our lease was up June 1, 2017. I/we moved out June 1st...(we gave notice 90-days in advance). I cleaned the very little that needed to be cleaned as we never decorated, bought furniture, or did nothing to the walls as far as holes, hanging photos, etc...the apartment was left in pristine condition, after I did a complete and thorough cleaning of both bathrooms, kitchen.

On June 16, 2017, I called The Summit to let them know, I had yet to receive my security deposit, or a letter that stipulate why I would not be receiving it, and that June 22nd would be violating the 21-day calendar law in which to either return full security deposit, or give me a letter stating why.

I went to The Summit on Thursday, June 22, 2017, and told them I had yet to receive the security deposit, so I was there to pick it up. They said Corporate office (GHP Management Corporation), mailed it on June 19th...I still had not received it, so I asked for the amount of check and an itemized statement. Our security deposit was $600.00, I was given an itemized statement that we'd get $96.21 and were being charged for the following...Carpet cleaning, paint supplies, cleaning supplies, labor for cleaning, labor for painting, etc..so not only was I exposed to mold, now apparently, the bulk of security deposit will be kept.

On Friday, June 23, 2017, the check was in my mailbox..which still violates the 21-day rule..I will not deposit as I informed them that the $96.21 was not a 'good-faith estimate of repairs'.