We first moved in 2 years ago and loved the complex, especially the resident manager, Patty Roberts, and maintenance Richard. The grounds were clean and any issue/problem we may have had, was addressed by Patty (and Richard) in a professional and timely manner. However, ever since the new manager Monica Ambriz was hired, we've had nothing but issues. She does not reply in a timely manner and is EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY rude and demeaning.
For example, we've had issues with termites, Patty would have the apartment treated every 6 months, and recently we located many in our bathroom. We reported it ASAP per lease and Monica had the audacity to tell me they were not termites, rather they were flies. It also took time to get a formal inspection and the result from "said inspection" was that the termites were ONLY located outside the building NOT inside. However, prior to this "official inspection," she had maintenance, Augustine, (who's so sweet and helpful) go up and check in our attic (since we have a 2nd floor unit) and bathroom and he indeed confirmed evidence of termites (we also had evidence within the water heater closet). Amazingly, Augustine even knew the type of termite, a subterranean termite! Prior to leaving we did not a have treatment nor were we notified of when such treatment would be occurring other than "it's outside treatment only" and "many steps are involved with this" (this may or may not have been resolved).
Another issue was our heater, which stopped working last winter. This took forever to address and no heat is actually illegal. By law heat is mandatory within all apartment/rental areas. When this occurred we immediately called the ER maintenance line and Monica informed us that this was not an ER and to submit a work request (it was around 50 degrees or lower in the apartment). We ended up going to Costco and buying heaters she never apologized for the inconvenience and it took weeks to resolve.
I could go on all day with issues, such as issues with parking and how this complex is not ADA compliant, however, what really upset me was the way she treated my Mother. I popped my head in her office one day introduced myself and asked if she read my email (regarding lease renewal), she said she did and reports the only change to lease is the parking spot. She proceeded to interject when I was trying to reference additional questions in the email. However, her response was that we only had 24 hours to look at it and sign it or refuse to sign it, once she prints it? I have NEVER heard of this in my life and I have rented many apartments over SD county over the past 8 years or so (Patty would also email the lease and send us a hard-copy to review about 30 days prior to the expiration date). Monica continued to interrupt me saying "okay, have a good day now" as well as mentioning, MANY TIMES, "it seems previous management was doing this differently but I've been with this company for x amount of years and this is how we really do things. I've answered your questions." As noted, my mother was visiting and attempted to assist in the conversation, since I was getting annoyed with her curd responses and attitude. Monica had the audacity to ask my mother "who are you?" And when my mother answered, Monica replied, "I'm not speaking with you. You are not on the lease, so I will not answer any of your questions" (she even refused to look at her). I've never been treated so poorly/rudely and I've worked many years within customer service. Monica could of been rude and arrogant with me, but to my elderly mother? No, that was absolutely inappropriate. What if she was a potential renter?
It's also important to note that when I voiced my displeasure, prior to this in-person conversation, and asked for her manager's info, she refused to give me a direct number, email, or first and last name (she did manage to email me the corporate number and gave me the name Ian, but again refused to give me a last name). I also called and left VMs with FDC corporate office. I then managed to do some research and found an email address from yelp regarding FDC Inc. corporate office (which also scored low stars), so I sent a lengthy email.
That being said, we were interested in renewing our lease for the 3rd year, since we love the Santee area and hiking at Mission Trails, however, due to countless negative experiences with Monica Ambriz, we decided to not re-new. I'd rather spend my "rent" money (which is crazy here in SD) elsewhere. I would've given 4/5 stars, when Patty was here, however, now I'd give only one star because of Monica (she really deserves 0 stars). I suppose the "one star" can be for Ian, the regional manager, since he did eventually get back to me, yet nothing was ever resolved.
Def do yourself a favor and do not rent here. Monica is horrible to work with (we had nothing but headaches until we left). Such poor management also reflects upon FDC Management as a whole. read more
