Bbygrl
Arlington,#2UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, June 29, 2009
As a former employee of 5+ years, I would have to say that there is some truth to this...but based on experience this is also true for any other property management company. In regards to the last former employees comment, a majority of the move-outs recieved most of their deposit back. This problem varied among managers and the accounting department charged based on what the manager agreed to. In the accounting department, we had replacement logs that documented such items as when the apartment had last been painted, carpet, vinyl replacement, and so on. We then charge a pro-rata based on the age of the carpet or paint. Trust me - the owners of the complex do not like to pay for replacement either. As a tenant be sure that you get a copy of your move out inspection!!! More importantly...make sure that when you move into an apartment that you are very specific and be as detailed as possible on your move-in inspection (trust me, spending a bit more time on this is going to save you on move out charges!). Take pictures if you need to (before AND after especially if there are carpet stains, etc.) If carpet was marked in "new condition" upon move in but was replaced after a year after move out - guess what - you will be charged a percentage of the replacement. This is documented in your move in paperwork. Also, if you have felt that you have been treated unfairly, write a letter and send it to the main office, as many times as you see necessary. A little tip - be courteous! The easier it is to work with you, the more likely the management company will be willing to work with you to solve the problem. I do agree that that pro-ratas for some of the items are a little high, but make sure that when you leave your apartment that everything in the apartment is in working order (make sure that you request any maintenance repairs beforehand!). You can also request a pre-move out walkthrough and make sure that the manager takes the move-in inspection with him/her (as a matter of fact - I HIGHLY SUGGEST THAT YOU DO THIS!!!). Go over it THOUROUGHLY and ask questions about what will be charged (and document EVERYTHING SAID) upon move out - INCLUDING EXTRA RENT CHARGES. You will be charged for rent up until you turn in your keys or for the FULL 30 DAY NOTICE. Keep in mind that if you are breaking your lease, that you will be charged additional fees which are based on rent concessions - be sure to clarify this with the manager so there are no surprises. I will admit that there were times when a tenant was charged unfairly, and this company is not as lax as others when it comes to move out charges, but the owner did take pride in cleaning up those properties and made sure that the apartments were rent-ready and in the best condition as possible. Keep in mind that as a renter that it is your responsibilty to speak up about any problems that you may encounter - if talking to the manager does not work then try the corporate office but remember to keep your cool :-)
Girlwonder
Meridian,#3UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, February 27, 2008
I used to work for Hammack Management in the accounting department. I had to quit because of their questionable collection tactics. I saw all the collection files, and most had embellished or exaggerated amounts due from tenants with no reports from maintenance to back up damage claims. They sent almost everyone to collections, and I don't recall them ever refunding anyone's deposits partially or in full. They also had a huge amount of turnover for the same reason. People generally don't want to work for questionable employers.
Girlwonder
Meridian,#4UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, February 27, 2008
I used to work for Hammack Management in the accounting department. I had to quit because of their questionable collection tactics. I saw all the collection files, and most had embellished or exaggerated amounts due from tenants with no reports from maintenance to back up damage claims. They sent almost everyone to collections, and I don't recall them ever refunding anyone's deposits partially or in full. They also had a huge amount of turnover for the same reason. People generally don't want to work for questionable employers.
Girlwonder
Meridian,#5UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, February 27, 2008
I used to work for Hammack Management in the accounting department. I had to quit because of their questionable collection tactics. I saw all the collection files, and most had embellished or exaggerated amounts due from tenants with no reports from maintenance to back up damage claims. They sent almost everyone to collections, and I don't recall them ever refunding anyone's deposits partially or in full. They also had a huge amount of turnover for the same reason. People generally don't want to work for questionable employers.
Girlwonder
Meridian,#6UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, February 27, 2008
I used to work for Hammack Management in the accounting department. I had to quit because of their questionable collection tactics. I saw all the collection files, and most had embellished or exaggerated amounts due from tenants with no reports from maintenance to back up damage claims. They sent almost everyone to collections, and I don't recall them ever refunding anyone's deposits partially or in full. They also had a huge amount of turnover for the same reason. People generally don't want to work for questionable employers.