Take a moment to read the review. While it's a lengthy story of the events and how they unfolded, I think it will help you make a decision. You can also skip to the last paragraph, which summarized everything.
We responded to Ira's Craigslist post about an apartment that fit our needs.
Once we viewed the place, Ira mentioned that he does not charge an application fee; however, he does request a check for the full month's deposit with the application. I have to admit this would normally raise a flag for me, as I'm being asked to hand over a large check before I've even submitted an application or been approved for the home. Ira's reasoning is that it is his way of confirming we are serious about the home and it's less time wasted doing research for people who may change their mind. The unit is well-priced, in a good location, and I just knew it would not stay in the market long. So the following day, we handed a check over with our application. No lease signed... no paperwork explaining the reason for the check. I should also mention that this was dropped off at the front desk of his Century Center location. I didn't know until later on, but my boyfriend asked for Aloha Homes, and the front desk person seemed confused.
The same day that we dropped the check off, Ira called to confirm some landlord information and requested paycheck stubs. Both of these were promptly given to him and while he wasn't able to reach my landlord, he agreed to meet to sign the lease the same day.
We met him at his Century Center location again and things were going pretty smoothly. We mentioned some very minor damage we noticed in the apartment and some improvements we'd like to make (mainly painting). Ira was easy going and said he was fine with the improvements, provided we'd paint it back to it's original color or (if he liked it) we could possibly leave it as is. He mentioned he was going out of town, and that we'd do the walk-through on his return - which would be about a week after we occupied the space.
This is when my partner started getting concerned. How long was he going out of town for? Two weeks. Who's turning the keys over next week? A maintenance guy. Oh man.... my boyfriend asked to see ID to which Ira laughed but gladly obliged. At this point, I start laughing like everything is funny and my boyfriend is very serious as he explains his concern and how fraud usually happens (i.e. turning a check over for a place, being promised keys by someone else because someone the person is going out of town). Ira walked with us to the front desk where the clerk said he's been living there for 30 years and owns multiple units there. At this point, I'm cracking jokes because I feel a little awkward and think, "Welp, that's good enough for me!"
We went out to dinner, discussed the events further and my boyfriend is still weary, which I can understand. I mean, a check has been handed over, we don't have the keys, and he's leaving town! I'm rationalizing it - we handed a check over, but we signed a lease that states the deposit has already been paid; therefore, both parties are legally liable. We don't have the keys but the first full month check will be post-dated for the 15th, when we're scheduled to pick move-in. We didn't do a walk but he's trying to be accommodating.
So I emailed Ira my concerns and asked him to call me. He returned my call right away and while he remained calm, was clearly upset that we didn't trust the whole process after signing a lease. Fair enough. I asked if we could provide a certified & official bank check for the deposit and first month's rent dated for the day we were scheduled to pick-up the keys, as opposed to providing the post-dated check. He said no on the deposit, as we already signed the lease that states it was delivered (makes sense & by now I'm probably giving him the impression we don't have funds to cover it). Even in his frustration, Ira tried to mediate and offered to give the keys that same night, before he left for his trip. I declined as we agreed to tenancy effective the 15th and this would be unfair. We settled with giving the certified, official bank check during the key exchange.
Today, he called and offered references. He took the time to understand our concern. I am very grateful that he was able and willing to move forward.
To summarize, Ira does things differently by asking for a check in the amount of the full month deposit before a lease is signed. He doesn't prorate the first month if you move in before or after the first (it's full first month with prorated charges applied to the second month). He is honest and understanding of your concerns. From beginning to end, he has been thorough and accommodating. I recommend Ira any day. But don't just take my word for it, Ira Gordon has a 5-star review here on Yelp, and all 5-star reviews on Zillow. read more
