I was excited to begin my relationship with Schneider Property Management, as I had found an…read moreaffordable apartment in acceptable shape. While the apartment itself was in barely acceptable shape, I really loved it's cute little vibe, and was happy to have found it. Most of the issues were due to poor upkeep and were things I was happy to mend or repair myself. At this point my apartment is aesthetically really beautiful and I love it! That said, I would ABSOLUTELY NEVER RECOMMEND RENTING FROM THIS AGENCY. Schneider Property Management and their employees treated me with consistent disrespect, condescension, and above all non-responsiveness to safety issues. Pursuant to the Yelp community guidelines I will not post anybody's full name, but the two Melissas who work there are rude, vindictive, childish in their communications, and utterly none responsive tenant issues, even those regarding safety violations.
My primary cmplaint upon moving in was that the electric stove had incorrect drop pans installed. Because of this, the coils were unable to clip into place. This means that the burners, having nothing to hold them steady, slant, tilt, wobble, and cannot support the weight of even a small pot or pan, rendering them unusable. I reported and explained this issues to both Melissas consistently beginning in January of 2022, several times in February and all through March. When they sent a maintenance person, he recommended a new unit. When I followed up again, I was told that they would not be providing a new unit or new drip pans. Unfortunately, the problem worsened. The constant shifting and wobbling of the burner coils resulted in electrical damage to the burners. One day when I went to turn one on, it exploded in my face shooting sparks across the room and into my face and hair. It also tripped the power in the building. This has now happened two times, each time with the two smaller burners which are the most unstable ones. Clearly, this does not constitute safe living environment. It could have burned me or even started a fire. Upon reporting the new developments with this issue, I was very rudely told that they would not be addressing it.
To name just a few of the more minor issues I have struggled with:
-They advertised one rent for my apartment and then charged me more.
-The hot water often runs out after 5-10 minutes. There is never enough to fill the bathtub.
-They posted a flyer in the hallways stating that they would be doing "random checks" to make sure tenants did not have their windows open in the winter months--which is illegal. Landlord are not permitted to do random checks, they are required to provide 24 hours notice before entering the premises.
-There is no doorknob on the door to my balcony, there is just a hole, so the door simply stands open to the outdoors.
-The front porch is broken and has exposed rusted screw sticking out in several places.
-The banister in the stairwell is broken and unable to support weight. This could cause harm if someone tried to use it.
-The windows in the bedroom are not in proper working order. As soon as you unlock them, the top window slams down. This could break your fingers/hand or even shatter the window.
I have reported these issues using the websites maintenance request form, as well as by sending direct e-mails, and they have not been addressed. I even reported several issues directly to Craig, the owner of the company, and he told me not to contact him anymore and blocked my number.
I have never paid rent late a day in my life. I have cared for my home, patching some of the chipped paint, cleaning up kitty littler and poop from the last tenants, gotten rid of BUCKETS of cigarette butts from prior inhabitants, and been polite and professional in my communications.
The renters of Southern Maine Deserve better than Schneider Property Management and I advice renters to avoid them at all costs.