(1 Star -- If I could give Winchester Grove Apartments -10 stars, I would. One star is the lowest…read morerating allowed.)
I applied for an apartment at Winchester Grove about a month before my planned move-in date, paid the application fee, submitted all required documents, and was approved the very next day. I also paid my deposit shortly after. I requested a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment near the front of the property or close to the leasing office because I live alone and wanted a safer location that would also be easy for visitors to find. I was assured they had several units that met those requirements and that I would be placed in one of them.
A few days before my move, I stopped by to confirm everything since I had already taken time off work to move. I was shown an apartment that was not the floor plan I requested and not move-in ready. The flooring was heavily damaged, the carpet stained, smelled of pee..., the unit needed major repairs. I was then shown a second apartment with a different floor plan that was also not move-in ready and in similar condition. Each time, I was told the issues would be fixed before my move-in date which was now only a few days away.
Since the beginning of this process, I repeatedly called the leasing office for updates. My calls went straight to voicemail, and no one ever returned them. Every update required me to physically go to the office.
I came to the office the day before my scheduled move in to insure the agent had my apartment ready. I was shown an apartment that matched my requested floor plan a few blocks away from the leasing office. Although it still needed professional carpet cleaning I agreed to take it if it was cleaned, the carpet was treated for the bad smell and stains, the dead roaches and the accumulated trash on the porch were removed. I was assured it would be ready after 3:00 p.m. the next day to receive my keys.
When I returned the next day I was told that apartment had been given to another applicant due to a "misunderstanding" on her coworker part. I was then shown two additional apartments, neither matching my requested floor plan, smaller, not move-in ready condition.I was shown a fifth apartment behind the leasing office that also had serious maintenance issues( missing cabinet door, detached hinges)not my selected floor plan and not ready for occupancy.
In total, I was shown five apartments. Only one matched the floor plan I requested. Not a single unit was move-in ready as promised.
Nearly a month after I applied, days after I was promised I would receive my keys and finally start moving in, I returned once more and was told there was nothing available and that I would have to wait another week or two.
At that point, I had already taken time off work to move, packed nearly everything I own, scheduled movers and planned my entire schedule around the promised move-in date. I lost income, incurred additional month to month housing costs, and was left in a completely unstable situation.
What makes this even more disappointing is that this is the second time I have experienced a similar situation at this property. Over 4 years ago, I was also approved and promised a unit, only to be told at move-in that nothing was available.
The only reason I applied again is because a friend of mine recently moved into the property and had a smooth experience. She encouraged me to try again, saying things had improved under the new management. Unfortunately, my experience was completely different and repeated many of the same issues I had experienced before.
Based on my experience, I was left questioning whether this was the result of poor management, bias, or both. Whatever the reason, it is unacceptable. Applicants deserve better. I deserved better.
I cannot recommend Winchester Grove Apartments. I strongly advise prospective renters to consider other communities to avoid the financial loss, stress, and bias/unprofessionalism I experienced. Twice.
