ashlybee
Texas,#2Consumer Suggestion
Tue, January 01, 2013
This place is notorious for having problems. A few years ago a few of the units were condemned by the city. I have known people over the years that have lived in these apartments. They have electrical issues that have caused fires, AC and heaters never work properly. The structure is falling apart. Some of the units were "fixed" but just enough to meet city code. I havent been over there in a while so I am not sure the progress on those that were still condemned. I used to manage apartments and I can tell you that some residents are just going to complain, but I can also tell you that I have seen first hand the poor managment of these apartments as well.
The thing is that they have cheap rent. Unfortunatly there is the whole you get what you pay for. The fact that they were condemned and renting out those units is unexuseable. But I have lived in apartments all of my adult life up until I bought my house a few years back. There is a reason that the rent is cheap. I have lived in cheap apartments and moderate ones. The one with higher rent were not only more cosmetically more appealing but when something broke they fixed it the right way and with in a reasonable time period. In my 350 p/month I had tiles falling off the bathroom walls, went without a stove for 3 months, AC never worked on an on... you get my drift.
I would never want a family member living in these apartments though. For future reference to anyone-never sign a lease until you have seen the unit YOU will be living in and do a walk through with the manager. I did this for everyone of my tenats. This is for your protection. 1 so you can see what you will be getting 2 if there is any damage it needs to be documented and signed by the manager with pictures! Otherwise you can be held liable for damages.
Example. Bob moves into an apartment without seeing the actual unit and no walk through. There are a few carpet stains and a hole in the wall. Its not a big deal to Bob so he never thinks twice. Tidy Bob moves a year later, never causing further damage to the unit. Bob does everything he is supposed to. So he is very surprised when he doesnt get his deposit back and they are asking for even more than the deposit was. this is because the carpet now needs to be replaced and the wall needs to be patched and re-painted. Because it was never documented that this was there when he moved in he is now held responsible for this.
So if you dont read this long rebuttle
1. Do your research on the complex, ask friends, co-workers, internet etc
2. Dont sign for the unit unless you see the actual one you are signing for
3. Do a walk through with the manager before finalizing, with documentation of any damages **Pictures
4. Upon moving out, do the walk through again, with the manager. Document and Pictures