I lived at Lakeview for a full year and did not have any major issues during my residency, which is why my move-out experience was so disappointing.
Before my lease ended on September 7, management delivered a written notice to my door specifically giving me until July 9 to let them know whether I would be renewing or moving out. I had previously spoken with the office and explained that my family was considering purchasing a home, so I was still determining what we were going to do. I relied on the deadline management provided and emailed my written notice on July 9.
After moving out, I discovered that $123.50 had been deducted from my security deposit for "insufficient notice," with the statement indicating three days. I called the office simply to ask for an explanation. I was then told that my notice was two days short because the lease required 60 days.
My concern is simple: if management provides a resident with a written notice stating that they have until July 9 to make a decision, it is reasonable for that resident to rely on July 9 as the deadline. There is also an inconsistency between my statement charging me for three days and what I was told over the phone about being two days short.
Unfortunately, what should have been a simple conversation became unnecessarily confrontational. I tried to explain that the wording of written communications matters because residents rely on the information management provides. Instead of being able to have a normal conversation and ask questions about the charge, I was told I was being rude. I eventually ended the call because I did not call to argue--I called for an explanation.
I was a resident for an entire year, paid my obligations, left my apartment in good condition, and had no reason to call looking for a confrontation. Residents should be able to question a charge against their security deposit and explain their concerns without the conversation becoming hostile.
I have contacted corporate management and asked them to review the property's records, including the written notice that was provided to me, my July 9 email, and the final move-out accounting. I hope they review the situation fairly and correct the charge if appropriate. I will update my review based on how the matter is ultimately handled. read more