Although this company has many apartments in convenient locations, I would strongly recommend…read morethinking twice before applying.
In my experience, once you submit the application and pay the required fees and security deposit, you have very little flexibility if you change your mind. I was told that the security deposit would not be refunded if I decided to withdraw the application. This can be a significant concern if you are still unsure whether the apartment is truly the right fit for you.
My advice: be absolutely certain before submitting an application or paying a security deposit. If you have any personal or family circumstances that could potentially change your plans, or if you are not completely satisfied with the apartment, make sure you fully understand their refund and cancellation policies beforehand.
Unfortunately, I also found the level of professionalism and helpfulness to be very disappointing after the application was submitted. The experience before applying was very different from the experience afterward. In my case, the customer service became extremely frustrating once I was already committed to the application.
Another major concern is the true cost of living in these apartments. The monthly rent may initially appear reasonable, but the actual cost can be significantly higher once utilities and additional charges are included. Everything, including heating and the stove, is powered by electricity. During the winter, the electric bill can be shockingly high, making the apartment much more expensive than the advertised rent might suggest. There were also additional charges that I did not fully anticipate when initially considering the apartment.
The maintenance experience was another major disappointment. In my experience, the maintenance team was extremely inflexible and unprofessional. Be very careful about authorizing repairs, and make sure you clearly understand what work is being performed and who is responsible for the cost before anything is done. I was concerned about being charged for issues that I did not cause.
These are older buildings, so maintenance issues are bound to happen from time to time. That makes responsive, transparent, and professional maintenance even more important. Unfortunately, that was not my experience.
I am giving two stars primarily because the properties are located in convenient areas. However, a convenient location does not make up for poor customer service, high utility costs, unexpected charges, and a frustrating maintenance experience.
If you're considering one of their apartments, do your homework before signing anything. Ask detailed questions about every fee, utility, maintenance policy, and potential charge. Carefully review the application, lease, refund, and cancellation policies before submitting an application or paying any deposit.
Don't make your decision based solely on the advertised monthly rent. Make sure you understand the true monthly cost and what you could potentially be responsible for paying.
