FIRST INCIDENT
My lease stated that I submit a receipt that…read moreverified I had the carpets cleaned by a professional company or I would be charged a fee. I had been given verbal permission via telephone from a AMJ employee to arrange for my carpets to be cleaned after the date I turned in my keys and to submit my payment for the cleaning rather than a receipt. Upon surrendering my key along with a check, I requested a written receipt stating that my check satisfied the requirement stated in my lease, I was then told "I have been working here for 16 years sir and I have yet to lose a check, thanks" from the receptionist. I reassured her I was not attacking her competency and that the receipt would serve as a amendment to the lease I had previously agreed to, she continued to oppose. I then asked to speak to the manager of the office, after having to basically beg her to get the manager, the manager came out of her office on her own accord, presumably from listening to our verbal engagement. I further explained why I would like a receipt and suggested that a sentence and a signature on a post-it note would suffice, I was still denied. I left that altercation frustrated and empty handed but still brushed it off.
SECOND INCIDENT
I received a small portion of my security deposit back stemming from deductions that included: $105 garbage removal, and $185 cleaning. I was upset as I thoroughly cleaned the unit by following every step on the checklist they provide as well as puzzled due the fact that I left no garbage other than what was in the valet trash can and recycle bins assigned to my unit. Nonetheless I understand the process and decided to submit a written dispute as instructed. Having been only a month since the first major incident, I entered the office and politely asked to speak with the office manager, the receptionist once again felt the need to make this as difficult as possible, she saw I held an envelope in my hand and instructed me to leave it with her because the manager will not discuss the matter with me in person. I told her I have nothing tho discuss in regards to my dispute it is regards to other matters, I continued to be denied on the grounds that she " worked there for 16 years and this is their policy". I decided to ring the bell on her desk that said "ring for assistance" in order to attract the attention of someone other than the receptionist. This made her very upset as she snatched the bell and screamed "I need you to leave now". At this point a gentleman emerged from an office and I requested to speak with him outside. I came to the understanding that this gentleman was looking to resolve the short term situation, and was not in a position to address the unprofessional behavior of the receptionist although he was genuine and courteous. I presented him the letter, asked how long until I should expect a response, shook his hand then left.
THIRD INCIDENT
Approximately 5 minutes following the second incident, I called the office and politely requested to make an appointment to speak with the manager of the office at a time that worked best for them (I tried to slide in under the radar but I knew she would probably predict who I was) she asked for my name and put me on a brief hold. I AM APPALLED AT WHAT HAPPENED NEXT.. A woman answered the phone, I said "hello, is this the office manager?" to the response "Yep Im the manager, head of HR, I do it all, you finally got me" along with a chuckle. I attempted to formally submit a complaint about the receptionist, but was interrupted by her attempt to educate me on their "policies", I asked if there was a policy that nobody can speak to a manager unless the receptionist deemed it appropriate, more laughs*. I then asked if my complaints will be addressed or are they falling on deaf ears. She asked me to proceed, I began to explain to her what happened on the first incident, she cut me off again, laughed, and told me " yeah I was there that day, I talked to you, so you got two verbal confirmations that your check was okay". It was evident that she was not actively listening to me and understanding that the situation involved the lack of respect I received from the receptionist, as well as the receptionists inclination to attempt to handle every issue as if she herself was the manager, nor did she care at all, so I told her politely "I don't feel that you are taking what I am saying seriously, so I will find another way to address this issue, thank you for your time, have a great day" she said okay and we ended the call. Here I am, literally my last line of consumer defense, power to the people.
I would also like to include the Merriam-Webster definition of receptionist should she or her manager have the opportunity to read my thorough review.
Definition of receptionist
: a person employed to greet telephone callers, visitors, patients, or clients