Complaint Review: The Bethany Group - Madison Apartments - Rolling Hills Apartments - Aurora, Castle Rock Colorado

I have also been a victim of this company and one of their properties. I lived at the Tuscany Palms apartments for a year 1/2. As long as nothing needed to be fixed or if you had any questions, everything was fine. Their management switched hands so many times every time I would call and speak to someone it was a different person. I think they went through 3-4 managers during that time frame and hardly any of them were helpful. Finally, once I found another apartment and I scheduled the walk through and gave my proper 30 days notice I was told I would get a full refund of my deposit. And now it's been almost exactly 5 months and guess what? NO REFUND!! I have called and spoken to the manager, assistant manager and associates about getting this refund to me, and they all have stated that they put the request in when I moved out, and did not know why it had not been processed. The manager stated that she would call the corporate office and let them know and that she would call me back. She did that about 3-4 times before finally saying that she was "too busy" and that I should call the corporate office myself! She gave me the # and I spoke to the same person over and over and she kept telling me that all she could do was pass on the message to the District Manager. I kept telling her that I would get my representative to call and she just said she'd pass on the message. To this day I have not gotten my deposit back, or a returned phone call from ANYONE associated with this company. I will NEVER, EVER, EV-ER lease from one of their properties EVER again. This company is horrific- DO NOT TRUST THIS COMPANY!! I will have to now follow up with in small claims court. Good luck to me and good luck to all of those who are suffering like me!

I am wanting to file reports to the county and the health department. But this is something that every tenant should do at once. They cannot evict us all, I have been lied to ever since I signed my lease. The one they lost that is that said I did not have to pay for water, garbage, or a made up gas bill. Lies all of it they said they lost that lease and had me fill out another one with all of that lovely stuff added to it. I am sick of bethany groups lies and trouble. They will not change unless we make them. Do we really think they could pass a health exam with black mold in half of the apartments. We can type it here or we can do something about it together. What are they gonna do evict us. At least we get out of our leases. Oh did you guys get the excuse about the A/C and it being on a switch and that is why my a/c does not work. That was my personal favorite lie. Calling the news channels is not a bad idea either. So is every tenant not paying rent until all of the propblems are fixed. They cannot evict us all. (Just a thought) I am getting to the point of despiration with this company.

Leena wrote: "As a former renter I can tell you that renters insurance covers ONLY damage/loss to your OWN PERSONAL PROPERTY that may be caused by such things as water leaks or fire in the rented property. You may have had such coverage dear, but other "renters" insurance policies are available that do cover damage to the rental unit itself. I was a renter the entire time I was in the USAF and while I had a king sized water bed, my landlords required me to have insurance in case the bed broke - the insurance was to cover damage to the house/apartment, NOT to my throw rug and other personal belongings. The good news was that I had $100,000 of coverage and it only cost me about $40 per year at the time. I suspect that the landlord's agent is requiring similar insurance for property damage. You also wrote: "Whether you choose to purchase renters insurance should be your own choice, not theirs." As I stated above, your perception of renter's insurance is not fully correct. Many companies offer "renters" insurance which will cover damage to the real property, such as a water damage caused by a water bed breaking, or a case of renter's negligence (such as a fire caused by unattended buring candles, or cigarette burns in the carpet.) I've owned some rental units for some time now, and the choice of requiring insurance or not (at least here in NY state) is MINE, not the prospective tenant. My lease agreements clearly state what type of insurance is required and that I am to be given the company name, policy number, and servicing agent's name and contact information. Further, the insurance is to remain icontinually in force at all times during occupancy. Failure to maintain the insurance is grounds for immediate eviction (I still have to go to court for eviction -just means I get an eviction order very quickly once I show proof that the insurance has been cancelled.) I let every prospective tenant review the lease they must sign to be a tenant with me. I also allow them to take the agreement with them if they'd like their attorney to review it before they agree. I agree with you that the choice of having the insurance is yours. If you don't want to get and maintain the insurance I require, you are free to seek housing somewhere else. I require proof of this insurance (I call the agent to verify the insurance- I've had folks present FALSE documents) in addition to a credit check, employer reference/personal reference, first, last, and a security deposit before I give out any keys. Hope this information is useful to you. This insurance can be very usefull if your water bed causes water damage or you have cigarette burns from the last party you threw or there is a kitchen fire and such. Especially if the damages are MORE THAN THE SECURITY DEPOSIT. As I renter, I had some cigarette burns from a party which my landlord rightfully charged me and my "renters" insurance paid for the damage so I was refunded my security deposit after I moved out. My rebuttal and advice to the OP of this ROR is that when a landlord requires this insurance when it WAS NOT required at the beginning of the lease, this is modifying the lease and at least in NY, the landlord usually has to give the tenant 30 days notice. MY lease agreement states 60 (my choice - the law here is 30) days for any modification/termination of the agreement by either party.) This ROR in my opinion is grounds for the tenant to immediately move out - the landlord/landlord's agent didn't give the tenant satisfactory notice to either agree to the modification or move out. If I were the OP of this ROR, I would have vacated by now. And if the agent refused to refund deposits and such, my case in small claims court would be pending.

They have changed the lease agreement with you by requiring insurance when you didn't previously need it. They can't legally do that. They are required to give you a notice of when you must vacate (assuming you're NOT going to get the insurance.) Normally, such notice to vacate must be 30 days in advance unless specified differently in your lease agreement. I have rental properties that I own and manage. I have lease agreements with all my tenents. If I were to make such an insurance change, I would have to give my tenants 60 days notice (60 day notice requirement is in my one year leases for both parties to terminate.) If this place is such a rat hole as you describe, I don't understand why you're not jumping with joy for the opportunity to leave NOW - they broke your lease, not YOU.

They have changed the lease agreement with you by requiring insurance when you didn't previously need it. They can't legally do that. They are required to give you a notice of when you must vacate (assuming you're NOT going to get the insurance.) Normally, such notice to vacate must be 30 days in advance unless specified differently in your lease agreement. I have rental properties that I own and manage. I have lease agreements with all my tenents. If I were to make such an insurance change, I would have to give my tenants 60 days notice (60 day notice requirement is in my one year leases for both parties to terminate.) If this place is such a rat hole as you describe, I don't understand why you're not jumping with joy for the opportunity to leave NOW - they broke your lease, not YOU.

They have changed the lease agreement with you by requiring insurance when you didn't previously need it. They can't legally do that. They are required to give you a notice of when you must vacate (assuming you're NOT going to get the insurance.) Normally, such notice to vacate must be 30 days in advance unless specified differently in your lease agreement. I have rental properties that I own and manage. I have lease agreements with all my tenents. If I were to make such an insurance change, I would have to give my tenants 60 days notice (60 day notice requirement is in my one year leases for both parties to terminate.) If this place is such a rat hole as you describe, I don't understand why you're not jumping with joy for the opportunity to leave NOW - they broke your lease, not YOU.

They have changed the lease agreement with you by requiring insurance when you didn't previously need it. They can't legally do that. They are required to give you a notice of when you must vacate (assuming you're NOT going to get the insurance.) Normally, such notice to vacate must be 30 days in advance unless specified differently in your lease agreement. I have rental properties that I own and manage. I have lease agreements with all my tenents. If I were to make such an insurance change, I would have to give my tenants 60 days notice (60 day notice requirement is in my one year leases for both parties to terminate.) If this place is such a rat hole as you describe, I don't understand why you're not jumping with joy for the opportunity to leave NOW - they broke your lease, not YOU.

Unsafe Living Conditions Created By The Bethany Group aka Rolling Hills Apartments. The Following Officials Will Be On Site - Week Commencing 09/03/2007 Town Of Castle Rock City Code Inspector Tri-County Environmental Health Specialist Colorado Department Of Public Health Enforcement Officer U.S. Dept of Labor (OSHA) Compliance Officer Sales Manager - Waste Management Inc. District Manager - The Bethany Group (Aurora, Colorado)

Tuesday September 4th, 2007... Poor Management...Trash, Glass, Ants, Maggotts, Flies And Coyotes The Trash Dumpsters were emptied by Waste Management on Thursday 08/30/2007. By Friday Evening 08/31/2007 they were completely full. By Monday, 09/03/2007 (Labor Day) the trash overflowed into the street. (Photos Taken) The foul odor is ridiculous not to mention watching the Coyotes going through the trash. We watched off and on throughout the holiday weekend as resident after resident tossed their half opened plastic trash bags onto the heap of rubbish. You could hear the ocassional sound of broken glass caused by a plastic trash bag rolling off the heap of shame. Yes, we have contacted the city, the county, the state and the federal government. Every agency we could think of that begins with health and ends with safety. After contacting several different agencies we were directed to a Castle Rock, Colorado - City Code Inspector, Robin DeSio. Her direct line is (720) 733-2223. She told us that she will visit and inspect the property as soon as possible. She's in for a big surprise if she conducts a thorough tour of the property. If you go to The Bethany Groups (based in Irvine, California) website http://www.raisingliving.com you can read some of the generic descriptions made by management about Rolling Hills Apartments in Castle Rock, Colorado. The truth is the check writer (Mr Sherman - Chief Operating Officer) in Irvine, California has no idea that his reputation and investment is at risk. If they saw what we see they would fire every property and district Manager from here to Aurora The Executive Team for The Bethany Group can now be contacted via their website...It will be interesting to see their reaction, especially from an investment firm that just cut a $450 million check to complete a June 2007 aquisition of Phoenix Area Apartments. The largest aquisition in Arizona history... According to the onsite staff the dumpsters are overflowing because Waste Management was not paid on time...One word...WHATEVER...

I find their new insurance requirement just a bit curious. Have they previously to your knowledge had a resident sue them for damage to their personal property? As a former renter I can tell you that renters insurance covers ONLY damage/loss to your OWN PERSONAL PROPERTY that may be caused by such things as water leaks or fire in the rented property. Whether you choose to purchase renters insurance should be your own choice, not theirs. If your furniture,and belongings are damaged and you don't have insurance...well, too bad, you're out of luck. It's not their problem, it's yours. Is the new requirement a passive admission that their buildings are not safe? I'd contact the health department, the housing authorities, and anyone elso who can come out and inspect these premises and slap these jerks with fines.

I find their new insurance requirement just a bit curious. Have they previously to your knowledge had a resident sue them for damage to their personal property? As a former renter I can tell you that renters insurance covers ONLY damage/loss to your OWN PERSONAL PROPERTY that may be caused by such things as water leaks or fire in the rented property. Whether you choose to purchase renters insurance should be your own choice, not theirs. If your furniture,and belongings are damaged and you don't have insurance...well, too bad, you're out of luck. It's not their problem, it's yours. Is the new requirement a passive admission that their buildings are not safe? I'd contact the health department, the housing authorities, and anyone elso who can come out and inspect these premises and slap these jerks with fines.

I find their new insurance requirement just a bit curious. Have they previously to your knowledge had a resident sue them for damage to their personal property? As a former renter I can tell you that renters insurance covers ONLY damage/loss to your OWN PERSONAL PROPERTY that may be caused by such things as water leaks or fire in the rented property. Whether you choose to purchase renters insurance should be your own choice, not theirs. If your furniture,and belongings are damaged and you don't have insurance...well, too bad, you're out of luck. It's not their problem, it's yours. Is the new requirement a passive admission that their buildings are not safe? I'd contact the health department, the housing authorities, and anyone elso who can come out and inspect these premises and slap these jerks with fines.

Ok, I forgot about the Aug 31 requirement on the insurance. Seems to me it's still a breach of notice - hardly 30 days or whatever the lease requires for you to give them notice. They can only require insurance if you wish to stay. You make it clear that you want out, so don't get the insurance and start moving! As I said earlier, you can sue them if they don't return deposits. They are breaking your lease agreement - not you!

This is too easy! You NOW have a means of getting out of your lease agreement with them. IF they are now requiring you to have insurance, when you didn't need it before, you NOW my move out! They are breaking their lease contract with you! I noticed that in their demand for insurance letter, they didn't state what the consequences might be for not having insurance other than it's required. I would keep that letter in a safe place and start looking for a new place immediately. Further, your lease agreement should state how much notice they must give you when they tell you they want you out. Seems to me that they have broken this as well. I might interpret their demand for insurance as a request to "immediately vacate" since the letter didn't state when you have to have such proof and when you must leave if you don't get the insurance! I think they've stepped on their own foot this time. If you can afford it, I'd move out ASAP and if they don't return any security/other deposits for your moving out, I sue the in small claims. It is reasonable to presume that they want the insurance immediately, thus it is reasonable to presume that if you don't have it, and are not going to get it, they want you out immediately! Good luck.

A Third Letter Found Taped To Our Front Door on August 31st, 2007 At 5pm. Dated August 31st, 2007 and Signed Rolling Hills Management. The Dates On Two Out Of Three Letters Are Incorrect. Interesting That All Of Our Maintenance / Repair Issues Are Still Unresolved... 'The Bethany Group' August 31, 2008 Dear Resident: We will be entering your apartment on Tuesday, September 4th to evaluate your flooring. You do not need to be home during this. Thank you for advance for your cooperation!! Rolling Hills Management

This is an undated and unsigned, August 27th, 2007 letter from the Bethany Group it was found taped to our front door and reads as follows; "The Bethany Group" Dear Residents: The Bethany Group now requires that all residents provide proof of $50,000 renter's insurance liability coverage as a condition of tenancy. If you already have renter's insurance please provide the management office with a copy of your policy by Friday, August 31st. If not and if you would like some information about an insurance program you may pick up a brochure at the management office or call Assurant at 877-826-8203. Once you have met this insurance requirement, you must provide proof of coverage to the management office within 24 hours. Proof of coverage may include a copy of a declaration sheet, a certificate of coverage or a confirmation of coverage letter from an insurance agent or company with a policy number. **An insurance agents name and policy number written down will not be sufficient enough. We need the above documents in our office and in your file.** Thank you for your cooperation, Your property staff --------------------- The following day we receive another letter in the mail from the Bethany Group based in Irvine, California and it was unsigned but dated August 28th, 2007. The Bethany Group August 28, 2007 Dear Rolling Hills Residents, Renovation Celebration! As you may have noticed, we have started some major projects at our community including repairs and prep for painting of the building exterior. This process is expected to take about 6 weeks and will require some cooperation from the entire community. First and foremost, we must address the issue of satellite dishes on the patios: Under a federal communications commission order, you as our resident have a limited right to install a satellite dish or receiving antenna on the leased premises. We as a multi-family housing owner are allowed to impose reasonable restrictions relating to such installation. You are required to comply with these restrictions as a condition of installing equipment. You may install only one satellite dish or receiving antenna on the leased premises. A satellite dish may not exceed one meter (3.3 feet) in diameter. An antenna may receive but not transmit signal. Under FCC orders you may not damage or alter the leased premises and may not drill holes through outside walls, door jams, windowsill, railings, etc. Satellite dishes may not be attached to the building in any manner and must be secured by tri-pod, a bucket of concrete or any other manner that is approved, in writing, by management. You must take full responsibility for the satellite dish or antenna and must provide us with evidence of liability insurance naming us as an additional insured to protect us against claims of personal injury and property damage to otherwise relating to your satellite dish or antenna. The insurance coverage must be $50,000 (fifty thousand) which is an amount reasonably determined by us to accomplish this purpose. This coverage must be maintained throughout your residency. You agree to hold us harmless and indemnify us against any of the above claims by others. As we proceed through the painting process, satellite dishes that are inappropriately attached to the building or railing will be removed (wires will be cut as needed). Management or contractors will not be responsible for any fees associated with installation, removal or recalibrating of satellite dishes that were inappropriately attached to the building. Please have your satellite dishes in compliance with the above mentioned FCC regulations by Monday, September 2, 2007. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (303) 688-8439. ---------------- Curb appeal seems to be #1 on the agenda for the Bethany Group aka Rolling Hills Apartments. Trash is still overflowing. Coyotes are present at night at the dumpsters. Concrete is unsafe and crumbling and falling into driveway. The range oven that was blocking the fire extingusher is gone, now present for the past two weeks is a large wooden door. One of many ongoing hazards. ------------------- If you are looking for a quality apartment complex in Castle Rock, Colorado don't waste your hard earned money moving to The Bethany Group's - Rolling Hills Apartments. Living here is like a bad dream.. it just keeps getting worse and worse.

This is an undated and unsigned, August 27th, 2007 letter from the Bethany Group it was found taped to our front door and reads as follows; "The Bethany Group" Dear Residents: The Bethany Group now requires that all residents provide proof of $50,000 renter's insurance liability coverage as a condition of tenancy. If you already have renter's insurance please provide the management office with a copy of your policy by Friday, August 31st. If not and if you would like some information about an insurance program you may pick up a brochure at the management office or call Assurant at 877-826-8203. Once you have met this insurance requirement, you must provide proof of coverage to the management office within 24 hours. Proof of coverage may include a copy of a declaration sheet, a certificate of coverage or a confirmation of coverage letter from an insurance agent or company with a policy number. **An insurance agents name and policy number written down will not be sufficient enough. We need the above documents in our office and in your file.** Thank you for your cooperation, Your property staff --------------------- The following day we receive another letter in the mail from the Bethany Group based in Irvine, California and it was unsigned but dated August 28th, 2007. The Bethany Group August 28, 2007 Dear Rolling Hills Residents, Renovation Celebration! As you may have noticed, we have started some major projects at our community including repairs and prep for painting of the building exterior. This process is expected to take about 6 weeks and will require some cooperation from the entire community. First and foremost, we must address the issue of satellite dishes on the patios: Under a federal communications commission order, you as our resident have a limited right to install a satellite dish or receiving antenna on the leased premises. We as a multi-family housing owner are allowed to impose reasonable restrictions relating to such installation. You are required to comply with these restrictions as a condition of installing equipment. You may install only one satellite dish or receiving antenna on the leased premises. A satellite dish may not exceed one meter (3.3 feet) in diameter. An antenna may receive but not transmit signal. Under FCC orders you may not damage or alter the leased premises and may not drill holes through outside walls, door jams, windowsill, railings, etc. Satellite dishes may not be attached to the building in any manner and must be secured by tri-pod, a bucket of concrete or any other manner that is approved, in writing, by management. You must take full responsibility for the satellite dish or antenna and must provide us with evidence of liability insurance naming us as an additional insured to protect us against claims of personal injury and property damage to otherwise relating to your satellite dish or antenna. The insurance coverage must be $50,000 (fifty thousand) which is an amount reasonably determined by us to accomplish this purpose. This coverage must be maintained throughout your residency. You agree to hold us harmless and indemnify us against any of the above claims by others. As we proceed through the painting process, satellite dishes that are inappropriately attached to the building or railing will be removed (wires will be cut as needed). Management or contractors will not be responsible for any fees associated with installation, removal or recalibrating of satellite dishes that were inappropriately attached to the building. Please have your satellite dishes in compliance with the above mentioned FCC regulations by Monday, September 2, 2007. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (303) 688-8439. ---------------- Curb appeal seems to be #1 on the agenda for the Bethany Group aka Rolling Hills Apartments. Trash is still overflowing. Coyotes are present at night at the dumpsters. Concrete is unsafe and crumbling and falling into driveway. The range oven that was blocking the fire extingusher is gone, now present for the past two weeks is a large wooden door. One of many ongoing hazards. ------------------- If you are looking for a quality apartment complex in Castle Rock, Colorado don't waste your hard earned money moving to The Bethany Group's - Rolling Hills Apartments. Living here is like a bad dream.. it just keeps getting worse and worse.

This is an undated and unsigned, August 27th, 2007 letter from the Bethany Group it was found taped to our front door and reads as follows; "The Bethany Group" Dear Residents: The Bethany Group now requires that all residents provide proof of $50,000 renter's insurance liability coverage as a condition of tenancy. If you already have renter's insurance please provide the management office with a copy of your policy by Friday, August 31st. If not and if you would like some information about an insurance program you may pick up a brochure at the management office or call Assurant at 877-826-8203. Once you have met this insurance requirement, you must provide proof of coverage to the management office within 24 hours. Proof of coverage may include a copy of a declaration sheet, a certificate of coverage or a confirmation of coverage letter from an insurance agent or company with a policy number. **An insurance agents name and policy number written down will not be sufficient enough. We need the above documents in our office and in your file.** Thank you for your cooperation, Your property staff --------------------- The following day we receive another letter in the mail from the Bethany Group based in Irvine, California and it was unsigned but dated August 28th, 2007. The Bethany Group August 28, 2007 Dear Rolling Hills Residents, Renovation Celebration! As you may have noticed, we have started some major projects at our community including repairs and prep for painting of the building exterior. This process is expected to take about 6 weeks and will require some cooperation from the entire community. First and foremost, we must address the issue of satellite dishes on the patios: Under a federal communications commission order, you as our resident have a limited right to install a satellite dish or receiving antenna on the leased premises. We as a multi-family housing owner are allowed to impose reasonable restrictions relating to such installation. You are required to comply with these restrictions as a condition of installing equipment. You may install only one satellite dish or receiving antenna on the leased premises. A satellite dish may not exceed one meter (3.3 feet) in diameter. An antenna may receive but not transmit signal. Under FCC orders you may not damage or alter the leased premises and may not drill holes through outside walls, door jams, windowsill, railings, etc. Satellite dishes may not be attached to the building in any manner and must be secured by tri-pod, a bucket of concrete or any other manner that is approved, in writing, by management. You must take full responsibility for the satellite dish or antenna and must provide us with evidence of liability insurance naming us as an additional insured to protect us against claims of personal injury and property damage to otherwise relating to your satellite dish or antenna. The insurance coverage must be $50,000 (fifty thousand) which is an amount reasonably determined by us to accomplish this purpose. This coverage must be maintained throughout your residency. You agree to hold us harmless and indemnify us against any of the above claims by others. As we proceed through the painting process, satellite dishes that are inappropriately attached to the building or railing will be removed (wires will be cut as needed). Management or contractors will not be responsible for any fees associated with installation, removal or recalibrating of satellite dishes that were inappropriately attached to the building. Please have your satellite dishes in compliance with the above mentioned FCC regulations by Monday, September 2, 2007. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (303) 688-8439. ---------------- Curb appeal seems to be #1 on the agenda for the Bethany Group aka Rolling Hills Apartments. Trash is still overflowing. Coyotes are present at night at the dumpsters. Concrete is unsafe and crumbling and falling into driveway. The range oven that was blocking the fire extingusher is gone, now present for the past two weeks is a large wooden door. One of many ongoing hazards. ------------------- If you are looking for a quality apartment complex in Castle Rock, Colorado don't waste your hard earned money moving to The Bethany Group's - Rolling Hills Apartments. Living here is like a bad dream.. it just keeps getting worse and worse.

In the past 45 days we have endured the following: 1.) unresolved maintenance issues. Locks on sliding doors are still non-operative and a missing fly screen on second bedroom window. Staff gave us pieces of wood with a nail in each one to secure the sliding doors. 2.) Trash dumpsters are still overflowing on a regular basis and coyotes are now present on the property. 3.) A discarded freestanding range and discarded wood door are outside the staircase and still blocking the ground floor fire extinguisher at 1XX0 South Eaton Circle, Castle Rock, Colorado. *Maintenance staff told me that they are waiting for the dumpster to be emptied before they throw away the old freestanding range and door. 4.) Police presence/eviction of ground floor occupants. Furniture and a large amount of personal property were placed in the common area parking. No caution tape, warning signs were present. 5.) Deep potholes at front entrance and concrete curbing in common areas are crumbling and falling into driveway. 6.) Swimming pool, spa and exercise area were closed for over two months. Water heater was defective and spa had to be sanitized due to human feces found floating in spa. 7.) Toilet in hallway bathroom still non-operative and water overflows onto floor. 8.) Dog feces still being found along walkways, driveways and children's play area's. 9.) More unprofessional conduct among the maintenance staff. I was approached by a member of maintenance on Tuesday, August 21st, 2007. The time was approximately 5:30pm. I was asked if I wanted any 9mm bullets...The member of maintenance explained that he had found the bullets while cleaning out a vacant apartment. I find it Interesting to be approached by staff while I'm running late for a prior commitment and attempting to leave the parking area. 10.) Constant presence of small litter and debris under staircases partly due to trash dumpsters not being emptied on a regular basis. 11.) Door repair in second bedroom was not completed properly and door fell off of the hinges. Cause of the problem was the incorrect screws were used.