Complaint Review: Paces Station - Atlanta Georgia

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My Story:

When I arrived to Paces Station everyone was friendly and gave an overall wonderful impression. I chose this complex mainly because of its convenient location and amenities. I made certain to ask on average how much the power bills run, and I was told they were average compared to other apartment complexes. However, soon after moving in I quickly became aware of a few misconceptions. The advertised game room was an amenity that could only be utilized if you make a $100 deposit and a reservation. The gates did not function for weeks after I arrived, and its capricious on and off nature continued throughout the year. While assuming I was in a safe neighborhood or at least a gated community sometime during the first 2 weeks a few of the residents mailboxes including my own were broken into. The office was aware of the event but did not contact anyone nor did they bother following up on the case with the detective). In fact I was more informed than they were because I made a few simple phone calls.

My major concern over the pass year has been my outrageous (and this is by no means and exaggeration) electric bill. I became somewhat concerned when after only being in the apt. for 5 or so days that my electric bill was already $50 but I blew it off and forgot all about it. However, when my first monthly ga power bill arrived I was in shock. For the next few months my bill increased from around $200 up to $285. After many requests a maintenance man stopped by to clean the unit and replace a filter. Then next months bill rolled around and there was absolutely no significant difference. The problem was progressing and no one seemed very concerned and had no suggestions or solutions. I insisted that it was my a/c unit (for obvious reasons, during those first few days that is all that had been used).

Well winter and spring rolled around, and during that time we did not use our a/c and the bill dropped dramatically to $70-$90 (still high for a 2 bed). I asked them to have it checked again since summer would be rolling around soon, and I was told it was not a priority at this time but they would write it down and have it checked when it was convenient for them. However, again nothing was done, and it began warming up and my bill began to climb, and another problem emerged (a/c not cooling properly). So I spoke with the project manager and she requested to have the the most knowledgeable and experienced service man come to check out my unit. He told me he had cleaned and done basically everything that he could and had turned on the unit outside (which for some reason was off) however, it was a 24 year old unit and it was running the best that it could. He also informed me that most likely it was not going to use any less energy than before. He said it was a problem with a lot of the units in this complex mainly b/c of poorly designed systems. So I quickly contacted the project manager and insisted that they install a new unit. The unit was installed but did little help. It is July and my bill has reached $160. I decided to speak with a few other residents and discovered I was not the only one with this problem. So I brought this attention to the project manager. I guess I should also mention the problems that have accumulated this week that I also mentioned to her. My refrigerator died, along with my dishwasher, and sink disposal. My roommate had left a message with her about the dishwasher and disposal and had stopped by the office and still no one had responded or stopped by. She apologized and said she would send someone out today. However, as far as the power bill she had done all she could do. I suggested that they move me into a more energy efficient apt. and she said I was welcome to move but not at their expense.

My lease expires in a week and my rent has already gone up from $814 to $867. She said if I wanted to stay in that unit she could offer it to me for $854 but that was the best she could do. I told her that it was immoral for them to raise rent knowing they have huge energy efficiency concerns and that I could not believe that was her best form of reconciliation, and reminded her I was not the only one with this problem. She said they offer a good rate compared to other apt. complexes in this area. However, I know the prices are very similar. I told her that I did not understand how they could even begin to compare themselves to other new apt. complexes. She just stated that she was sorry if I wasn't happy, and I could either move out or into one of their newer apts. or (and casually reminded me that my lease expires next week) She said if I did not sign a new lease I would have to start paying month to month (over 1 thousand dollars).

To sum everything up I am outraged because their advertising is misleading, too many maintenance problems, they don't take care of their residents or the property (including pool, clubhouse, and gates), and they do not warn future residents that their apartments are not energy efficient.

Brandi

Atlanta, Georgia
U.S.A.