10/8/2018
I have had the unfortunate experience of being forced to rent from DC MANAGEMENT after they kicked out the far more than qualified property management company, AVESTA.
After 11 months of enduring DC's manager's incompetence, 1/3 of the residents in one of the two buildings are applying for residences elsewhere.
Aside from the introduction of cockroaches and bed bugs, not experienced with AVESTA, the treatment of the residents by both managers is pathetic. Neither has had any experience of property management nor any occupation involving proper skills of people management.
There are constant complaints of these managers not being accessible, not answering their phones, not posting nor having regular office hours, not returning calls, and, amongst other bizzar behavior, lording themselves over and being disrespectful of their senior and disabled residents. No one will complain to management for fear of retaliation or eviction.
DC haS created a 21 page "Community Policies - House Rules", 36 Topics, booklet of which they don't even follow the ones pertaining to them.
Avesta, which was founded in 1972, has a 2 page " HOUSE RULES AND REGULATIONs" document.
I was told today by DC that they were finding more things to add to their regulations as time goes on.
Also, DC ends their rules with this statement, "Community policies are subject to change. Such changes will be applicable within 30 days' notice to residents.".
Which was exemplified by the newest property manager, RH, when she found out that with policy #20, we would be allowed to put up holiday decorations. She obviously loathes any outward sign of human habitation, therefore, she stated, "Well I'll change that!"
Lovely! Such a humanitarian!
Another laughable policy is #4. "4. COMMON AREAS& GROUNDS
A. The common areas and grounds are for the use and enjoyment of all residents. The walkways, corridors, hallways, stairs, courtyard, playgrounds, parking lots, and lawns are not to be obstructed, encumbered, or used for any other purpose other than entering or leaving the apartment premises. Residents may not linger or congregate in walkways, hallways, corridors, stairways, property roadway, or parking areas."
Try not to laugh. I was not under the impression that "playgrounds" were for the purpose of "entering or leaving" apartments. And, therefore, children were not allowed to " linger or congregate" there. Kind of takes the "Play" out of Playground.
Also, when we, the 60 - 90-year-olds encounter each other and find ourselves "Catching up", we stop and realize that we are "linger and congregating" and that we will get written up for obstructing and encumbering! It creates a good laugh for us.
Today I had an inspection scheduled to 11 am. At 11:26 I called both managers numbers. No answer. At 11:37 I called DC's office and was told I'd get a cacallback. At 12:57 I finally received a call. DP explained that an appointment had taken too long and that she would see me at 2 pm. I called at 3:04. No answer.
I was about to leave when she arrived. No apology, no manners or respect for my time or that she was 4 hours late!
From what I gather from other residents this disrespectful treatment is typical. Apparently, DC is looking for a higher return on investment for their investors by using as cheap and unprofessional employees as possible.
I would suggest that if you are looking for Senior housing, you look elsewhere.
DC should stick to what they know, property investment and leave the management of people and their homes to far more competent firms.
On DC's website the state, "We manage properties for other owners the way we manage our own, with emphasis on responsiveness, detail, and consistency." read more
