DO NOT LIVE HERE - Terrible Management and Nightmare Experience…read more
Living at The Cleo East Nashville (now under Willow Bridge Properties) for two years was easily one of the most stressful, infuriating, and disappointing experiences of my life. Don't be fooled by their attempt to "rebrand" with new management - the issues run far deeper than a name change can fix. Here's an honest account of my time leasing here.
1. Rude Management and Awful Communication
Katie Johnson, the Assistant Property Manager, was consistently rude and unprofessional in her interactions with me. Every time I brought up concerns, she made me feel like I was the problem, rather than addressing the issues caused by their disorganized staff. Bridget McClarin, the Business Manager, was equally dismissive and condescending, taking zero accountability for her team's mistakes.
When I tried to renew my lease in Fall 2022, I toured a new unit and was told by a staff member to wait until Monday to finalize everything. By Monday, I was told the unit had been taken because "multiple people applied at the same time," and the system bumped me to a different (less desirable) unit automatically. This happened because of THEIR guidance to wait, and neither Katie nor Bridget took any responsibility. Instead, they spoke to me as if it was my fault.
2. Wrongful Charges and Unethical Practices
Throughout my lease, they repeatedly slapped me with unjustified charges.
Move-Out Nightmare: During my move-out walkthrough for my old unit, the maintenance manager assured me everything was fine - no charges. I took photos and videos to document the spotless condition of the unit. Days later, Katie and Bridget conducted another walkthrough without me and charged me for issues that didn't exist. When I raised this, they claimed the maintenance manager didn't "document" his walkthrough, so they refused to honor his word OR mine.
Unjust Fines: On another occasion, I left an item outside my door for less than 12 hours for a buyer to pick up. Without any warning, I was fined $100. It wasn't until I argued with the office that the charge was reversed - after hours of stress and wasted time.
AutoPay Disaster: They added that same $100 charge to my rental portal without notifying me, which caused my AutoPay to be rejected two months later. Instead of resolving the issue, they locked my account, added late fees, and demanded I bring a cashier's check in person - all while I was traveling internationally. They refused to accommodate my situation, even though it was THEIR error. When I returned, it took endless emails, phone calls, and arguments to get the $100 removed, but I was forced to pay legal fees they sent me to collections for, which they refused to reimburse.
3. Move-Out Scams
When moving out of my second unit, I thoroughly cleaned and documented the apartment, ensuring there were no damages. Despite this, they still charged me for cleaning and maintenance fees to "prepare the unit for the next tenant." It felt like they were determined to take $200-$300 from me no matter what. Why bother cleaning when they'll charge you regardless?
4. Constant Stress and Money-Hungry Practices
Living here felt like a constant battle against management's incompetence and greed. They care about one thing: extracting as much money from tenants as possible. It didn't matter if I had proof or valid complaints - they always found a way to make everything my fault.
Final Recommendation: AVOID AT ALL COSTS
If you value your sanity, do not lease here. Willow Bridge Properties may have taken over, but unless they've replaced the staff, policies, and management practices, nothing will change. Expect rude managers, unjust charges, and an uphill battle to resolve any issues.
Do yourself a favor - look at nearby complexes like MentorCent Apartments, which are better managed, have cleaner amenities, and are more respectful to tenants.
10/10 DO NOT RECOMMEND The Cleo East Nashville. Save yourself the stress.