Have been a resident since July 2012...unfortunately.
July 2012, viewed the apartments with little expectations since it's a low income area and the building is month to month (which attracts a bizarre mix of people). It didn't appear to be anything less than those expectations. The manager, Bardo, is an amazing man. He is helpful, considerate and in general looks to please. He goes beyond his job description. His wife, Ana, does as required by description.
Unfortunately, upper management can use an enormous amount of help in the customer service and legal department. My rent was illegally raised and I had to argue for 4 months with them regarding their legal responsibilities until finally filing a legal suit. Once they received my notification, they finally corrected the problem and refunded 4 months of the illegally charged rent.
After a two year record of timely rent payment, I asked Todd (area supervisor) in advance to waive a late fee; as I had notified them with much advance of why my payment was coming late. Additionally, I had asked them for a letter explaining their late policies and procedures to assist me with getting my payment through other means (this would mean getting paid on time). Todd never did respond to the request. So, when a late fee was applied I asked it to be waived. His response was he had to ask his superior but didn't feel he could "make exceptions because everyone in the building would then ask for them." I contacted his superior directly regarding this conversation. I further explained that if a court of law allows exceptions by diligent inquiry and factual evidence, and if other businesses have policies they make exceptions in a per basis manner, then why would they not? Fortunately, Todd's superior understood and waived the late fee.
I later came to find that my neighbor had some financial struggles and hadn't paid her rent when in the latter half of the month already. I asked if she had received a 3 day notice to pay or quit. No was her answer. "They are working with me." Though I felt that very compassionate and helpful, it also lead me to the conclusion that the company policies are not upheld and extreme exceptions are definitely made. Why was it presented to me otherwise? - Because I'm the tenant who doesn't stand for nonsense. I'm the tenant that demanded a proper rent increase notification (due to my property management background). Oh well, I don't mind. I prefer to be respected than liked.
The building has had a roach problem for the past few months and have recently been creeping into my apartment. They have sprayed it once and gave me roach poison and spray. There are also roach houses set outside the building exterior and interior walls. To date, there are still roaches.
Water is turned off at least twice a month in this building since I took up residency. They have finally started providing proper 24 hour notices to each resident instead of posting a notice in common areas that I missed in the past.
There were bed bugs in a few units during the past summer. Not sure how that turned out. I"m guessing ok since people aren't emptying out units continuously anymore.
Laundry and detergent gets stolen if you leave your laundry unattended. Several tenants have complained about this. Furthermore, there is 3 washers and 2 dryers for 60 units. So, you are often waiting. People are pretty inconsiderate and will bypass you if you don't sit there and hold your space in line for the machines. My kids pool toys were also stolen when leaving them out to dry.
There is no intercom at the front gate and they refuse to put one in. This means that unless your visitor has a phone to call you and you are actually getting reception in this building...you are going to miss their arrival or you have to stand outside and wait on them.
So, many negatives. BUT I will say BARDO is the light in this dim building. Any service requests he tends to quickly if the means within his authority. If it's beyond his authority...good luck. He works hours well beyond the legal limit, works through injuries and juggling his family....he deserves much more compensation than he receives. He's too kind to pursue the owners for the injuries he should have had adequate care provided for LOOOOOOONG ago. The owners are well indebted to him.
Anyways, it is what it is. You get what you pay for (here a bit less). Once circumstances permit, I'll be gone. Until then, it's best to make the best of what you have. :) read more
