AVOID!!!!!!!
Mismanaged, Dishonest, and Disrespectful…read moreNow is called Cottonwood Clermont
Our experience at Cottonwood Clermont was deeply disappointing, and we feel obligated to share the facts to warn prospective tenants. What looks like a well-kept community is, in reality, a case study in poor management, misinformation, and a total lack of accountability.
Ongoing Noise Complaints - Ignored Until the End:
For months, we lived below a tenant with two large dogs that constantly ran, jumped, and barked at all hours. We submitted multiple noise complaints, but management's response was to tell us to record it ourselves and call non-emergency police--no enforcement, no resolution. Eventually, a nearby unit became vacant. We requested a transfer. After "consulting with corporate" management allowed us to move without a transfer fee or new security deposit, clearly acknowledging the problem, but by then, we had endured these conditions for most of our lease.
Roach Problems:
Cockroaches were a recurring issue, even with regular cleaning. This is not just tenant hygiene--it reflects poor property-wide pest control.
Foul-Smelling Water and Health Concerns:
Starting in February 2025, the water throughout the apartment--including from faucets, sinks, toilets, the washer, and even the dishwasher--began to emit a strong, unpleasant odor, similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. When we first reported it, management casually told us to "let the water run." After we experienced skin irritation and discomfort, they replaced the water heater, but the odor persisted in all water sources. Despite our repeated concerns, the problem was never resolved. No formal water quality testing or plumbing evaluation was ever offered.
Useless Gym:
Most gym equipment is broken, missing parts, or out of service. It's just for show--not usable.
Unreliable Maintenance:
Maintenance requests were often slow, ignored, or only partially resolved. The team consistently lacked professionalism, urgency, and follow-through. When we first moved in, the windows were filthy and fogged from the outside. We submitted a service request to have them cleaned. When I stopped by while they were working, I was greeted with: "We normally don't do this." It was clear that even basic upkeep tasks were viewed by staff as inconveniences, rather than essential to maintaining a habitable and welcoming living space.
Serious Safety Incidents:
In February 2025, a resident with a criminal record was allowed to rent an apartment at Cottonwood Clermont. He later murdered his girlfriend inside the unit and then took his own life after a police standoff. According to the FOX 35 Orlando report, law enforcement was called to the complex for a welfare check. The man fired at police officers, prompting a lockdown of surrounding units. Also, an aggressive dog killed another resident's pet on-site. Again, no action or accountability followed.
Misleading & Mishandled Lease Termination
We exercised Option 2 to end our lease early, agreeing to pay rent until the unit was re-rented. On March 28, we were informed that a new applicant had been approved, fees had been collected, and the unit had been taken off the market. We returned the keys on the 29. Paid prorated April rent on April 1. Then, suddenly, on April 3, we were informed that the applicant had backed out. The unit re-listed with delayed and shifting availability dates: April 14, then 17, then 24. No showings occurred, despite the unit being vacated on March 29
On April 11, we paid the full April rent (under protest), unexplained insurance charges, water, trash concierge fees, and a carpet fee. We asked to access the unit we were paying for; we were told, "Don't make things harder for you."
We visited the office many times. Each time, we were met with shifting excuses ("vendor delays," "maintenance manager decisions") and a lack of transparency. Even attempts to speak with the property manager were dodged with statements like "she has a doctor's appointment."
The unit was finally listed April 15 (evening), removed again April 18, and finally rented May 10--six weeks after we returned it. All updates about marketing, showings, and re-rental status came only when we asked. At no point did management took initiative.
Refund Delay
On May 14, we asked about our refund and were told we'd receive in about 30 days. On May 20, we had to follow up again to confirm how it would be delivered. We were told it would be sent via eCheck, but again, no proactive outreach from management.
Final Thoughts:
We paid everything. We stayed professional. We made every effort to follow up, document, and resolve issues.
Cottonwood Clermont fails on all fronts. Unsafe and unhealthy conditions; inconsistent and dismissive management; manipulation of lease terms, and zero transparency or respect
Please save yourself the stress. This community looks nice from the outside, but behind the gates, it's a nightmare of delays, denial, and dysfunction.