0 communication. They are our HOA management company. We experienced a house fire in our townhomes…read more They cant seem to know what is going on. They higher a mitigation company that also has 0 communication. They avoid my phone calls. 100% do not recommend renting or doing any sort of business with this company.

AVOID RENTING FROM THEM AT ALL COSTS. MONEY HUNGRY AND IMPOSSIBLE TO WORK WITH…read more This company is awful. They also like to skirt around the laws so they can get paid. Rented from them in 2021-2022. Received no communication from them that I owed them any money and they also returned our deposit (after taking $500+ off the deposit for "move out charges"). Flash forward to now and I am trying to purchase a house. They have me marked down as "unsatisfactory verification of rent." This makes it so I am unable to close on my house that I am days away from closing on. I then find out that 32 days after our deposit was given back to us, they apparently sent an invoice via mail for $432. No email, no phone calls, no text messages. No other form of communication was given that we owed anything. Now 2 years later they refuse to budge on us owing the money to them and will not change my record to satisfactory. Throughout they are very rude, snarky, and all around awful to work with. Apparently $400 owed from 2 years ago breaks their bank and theyll go out of business without it. As far as the skirting around the law portion, (you thought I forgot but I most definitely did not,) Iowa law says the following: 562A.12(4) A landlord who fails to provide a written statement within thirty days of termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions shall forfeit all rights to withhold any portion of the rental deposit. If no mailing address or instructions are provided to the landlord within one year from the termination of the tenancy the rental deposit shall revert to the landlord and the tenant will be deemed to have forfeited all rights to the rental deposit. So essentially what they do is return the deposit early so they can take as long as they want to get back to you about any "fixes" that they need to. So very sketchy and operating in bad faith. Please heed this warning and avoid this company. The BBB was also made aware of these unjust practices.

I only chose to live here because it's decent apartments and affordable. The thing that bothers me…read moreis there have been thieves around the buildings taking packages. I pointed out the issue to the management and they didn't care one lady basically was talking to me like I was crazy on the phone because I asked her what she can do. They told me to make a police report which I did.... But of course nothing was done either so I'm just posting this as a warning for future tenants. Get your own cameras and put it outside your door!! And just don't trust anyone ever since I did that nothing has been stolen again but I've seen cops outside a few times so I'm probably not the only one who has reported this. Moral of the story I'm pissed they didn't do a damn thing and it took months later for them to send out an email to atleast warn everyone that there were people out stealing small packages.... the big packages weren't getting stolen but small ones. The buildings around 4112 Lincoln swing aren't locked outside and don't have any cameras that's the shitty part cause a lot of their other properties have locked buildings! Lastly, the maintenance are useless they've been saying they were gonna come in and change air filters I've even put in a maintenance request earlier in the year and they never come. I know it's gonna be a hassle getting my deposit back when I move.

I lived in an apartment owned by first property management for one year, and I was very happy with…read morethe service. The urgent repairs were always done in a timely manner, even though I was in a very cheap apartment, only $700 a month. I see that a lot of other people apparently do not believe first property management was helpful or professional, but many of these reviews are old, and every landlord has at least a fair amount of negative reviews in Ames. I'm not trying to be dismissive of other people's experiences, but my experience was not at all like the negative stories posted here. When my apartment flooded over the summer, they did not blame me because it was not my fault, and because I let them know that I would be gone during this time (it was months before I came back and found it flooded). They also agreed to pay me for the days I could not stay in my apartment because it was flooded (about two weeks), they agreed to pay me the utilities that their contractors were using (electricity for running the dehumidifiers, fans, and keeping the lights on), and they allowed me to break my lease. They did all of this in less than three weeks (which was very reasonable, given that the last adjustment I gave them for the payment was about a week two weeks into this three week process). It was expected that they would allow me to break my lease because in my lease, it stated that I could break my lease at any time my apartment was uninhabitable, but it was nice to have landlord that honored the promises that they made in the lease they gave me. Also, they were friendly, understanding, and try their best to handle a noisy neighbor and told me everything I would have to do in order to force them to either quiet down or get thrown out (this was a long process, but it would have been a lengthy, tedious experience anywhere given the laws that protect tenants). I would recommend this company to anybody looking to find a place to live in Ames.

What a horrible HORRIBLE company! Absolutely no ethical standards whatsoever…read more I paid $100 in application fees for me and my son. By the time my husband finished his the unit was "no longer available." And Ms Katherine in so many words was like oh well!! We don't give refunds. I didn't even get to apply to the place and they sure had no problem taking our money. Based on the other reviews i know this was a sign from God to stop applying before made a horrible decision and my family and I at a huge health risk!

When I toured this property, the leasing agent was wonderful. She showed me two occupied units, so…read morenaturally I focused on the layout rather than inspecting every detail. After deciding to rent one of them, I asked if I could see the apartment again after the previous tenants had moved out and before my move-in date. That request was denied. Unfortunately, I understand why now. When I received the keys, the apartment was filthy. There were dead cockroaches throughout the unit, and it was obvious it had not been cleaned to a reasonable standard before I moved in. Within my first month, I've submitted around 10 maintenance requests, including issues with hot water, the refrigerator, the smoke detector, my mailbox, and several other items that should have been addressed before a new resident took possession. What made the experience especially frustrating was that, by the time I saw the apartment in its actual condition, I had already scheduled movers, transferred utilities, taken time off work, and had nowhere else to go. I didn't feel like I had any realistic option other than to accept what I was given and move in. Had I been allowed to view the apartment after it was vacant and before move-in, these issues could have been addressed beforehand. To be fair, the maintenance team has been responsive, and the office staff has generally communicated quickly. My frustration is not with the employees handling maintenance requests--it's with the condition the apartment was in when it was turned over to me. I was also disappointed by the fees. Because I moved in early, my tenancy was split into two leases--a one-month lease followed by my 12-month lease. I was charged the $300 one-time utility fee on both leases. While I understand the reason for having two separate lease agreements, paying what is described as a one-time fee twice simply because my move-in was structured that way was never clearly explained and felt unreasonable. Had I known I would be charged the fee twice, it would have affected my decision and planning. This has honestly been one of the most frustrating moves I've experienced. I don't enjoy leaving negative reviews, but after receiving repeated requests to review my experience, I feel it's important to share it so prospective tenants know what mine was like. I sincerely hope management takes this feedback seriously by ensuring apartments are thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and ready before new residents receive their keys, and by communicating fees more clearly so future tenants know exactly what to expect.

I lived at the Welch apartments and overall, living here was fine after the first semester…read more They don't give you a good heads up if they needed to enter your apartment at all. The first week we were there, they left a note on the door, asking us to clear out everyone in the bathroom so they could paint the very next day. They did warn us before we signed our lease that we'd have until October-November to decide if we wanted to renew our lease so they could stay competitive w other companies and if we didn't, they would offer tours of our apartment until someone signed a lease for our place. They usually sent an email the day before the tour would take place (first time being during Midterms w less than 12 hours notice), another time we didn't receive an email till the morning of, and the worst was when we got an email the night before letting us know that THREE different tours would be taking place in the same day. There's also 3 washers and dryers on the main floor that cost $1 to run each. One dryer never worked well, one washer became jammed w quarters so you couldn't pay (therefore couldn't use it) and later on, the second washing machine stopped draining the water, so your clothes were always so soaked that running them through the dryer twice wouldn't do the trick. Thus, there was only one working washing machine for the whole building for about a month. I called maintenance once or twice about the jammed washer since that happened pretty early in the year (September) and more than 3-4 times about the washing machine that wouldn't drain in the month that it took to fix. This surprised me bc anytime I had to call maintenance for something relating to my apartment (small things like my doorframe/hinges getting old, causing my bedroom door to not shut) they showed up same day and were super polite and helpful. I never felt worried about having the maintenance workers enter the apartment after the first couple of times bc of how respectful and informative they were, always keeping us updated on repairs (as I said, always small things that would need fixed in any apartment) so, it was really surprising/disappointing when our washers weren't fixed until December/January, especially since one was reported in September. I did have some friends that lived in the 530 building and they never had issues like this and loved their experience. Overall, this isn't a bad place to live especially when you look at the price and location. But, I would recommend the 530 Welch building, it was built years after the 528 so it's in much better shape.

Horrible to communicate with. One of the owners, Brad, does not know how to speak to people when…read morethey are just trying to clear up a voicemail left to them. The other owner says one thing and then Brad says another and it is just plain confusing. To be clear, if you need something, don't ask them.

DON'T DO IT!!!!! These people are con artists who know how to use ChatGPT. It's clear that's the…read morebusiness model is to dangle a listing just long enough to scoop up fees from multiple applicants, then quietly pull it off market. We are out $80 in application fees and management could not care less. The experience was shady from the start, and the attitude from management was completely dismissive. They hide behind canned, robotic emails that pretend to be polite while basically telling you to get effed. This is indifference, or perhaps disdain, dressed up as business casual. These people aren't just unprofessional; they're predatory. If you're thinking of applying, don't. Save your time, your money, and your patience by not dealing with this hustle. You'd have a better experience with a Craigslist scammer.

Not only are they rude and pricey, they will retaliate to anyone that offers a grievance. Snow…read moreremoval and property maintenance is very bad. They are rude on the phone and in person. When I came to view the apartment. The girl who showed it could not answer one question. The photo I was presented with had a dishwashing machine, but I discovered that there is not one. This family has gotten rich off the backs of normal people. I have lived in Ames all my life and these folks are disgusting money grubbers, along with their lazy employees. Since this is a college town, they feel that they can rip you off and laugh at you. I know many of them on a working level, and I am here to say just sue them at every opportunity. Harassing emails, and entitled attitude. Look at the tax records of these folks they pay very little taxes because they own the local government. I would watch out if you are a townie like me.

Cleaning fees and painting fees are outrageous. No reason to charge over $200. Especially when…read moreapartment was cleaned before move out. Terrible communication overall.

Nice apartments, but they rob you when you leave. I was charged almost $200 for cleaning. I left…read morethat place spotless. The management companies in town have a system in place where they steal part of the deposit as a last-ditch money grab. They all do it, but this place took the most. I've never heard of anyone getting out unscathed. Again, nice apartments, but they are thieves.

These ppl are prejudice racist and unprofessional. This apartment is not worth the way my boyfriend…read morehas been treated. They have ruined his property. The maintenance guy and his dad called me a nigger. This is how they treat ppl!!!

ANTS! I have had reoccurring ants in my 2824 West Street apartment. At times they get everywhere…read more(including inside my computer!). I'm not a messy guy either and I keep my apartment very clean. Randall Corporation has biannual sprays but it's not doing the job. This is an old building and there are so many cracks that need caulking. I am on the third floor and I have talked to other tenants on the second floor who say it's worse. I also have a classmate on the first floor that I have talked to as well and she has not had any problems with ants there. I have called Randall Corporation about this and they have done extra sprays but they never follow up. The exterminator calls them Pharaoh ants. They are very tiny and reddish brown. As a reply to Lauren's review, Patti the receptionist has always been very friendly to me. I can not say the same about Rachel. Edit: Here's a picture of ants in my kitchen. http://i.imgur.com/tNgjE.jpg

Great location to be close to campus and bar life. Great to be near so many restaurants and close…read moreto connivence stores like Kum & Go and CVS. Easy walk to class - I can get to the furthest point of campus from my apt. in 13 minutes

The previous management company were unfriendly and unhelpful and the current management is pretty…read moremuch the same except friendlier. The have double charged rent on multiple occasions and even lost my check at one point! They over charge on many things including rent, maintenance fees etc. and instead of dealing with the issue they blame you for the problem. Not to mention that rent is way OVERPRICED. Rent went up $40 because they were building 'the resort' and it didn't even open until after we had graduated! They should be spending their money on fixing the current issues with carpeting and utilities instead of wasting their money on tanning beds, etc. I'd much rather have a working oven and shower in my apartment thanks! The maintenance team are relatively friendly and get the jobs done however they never clean up after them. Many times they have made repairs and left a mess, one time leaving white dust and dirt all over our bathroom and on our toothbrushes, etc.! Sometimes they only knock once and don'w wait for anyone to answer the door. Its in a great location but unfortunately thats the only positive and thats the only reason people put up with living there. I've never heard so many people complain in my 2 years living there.

After my Dad moved himself into assisted living, we kept his house for over a year, which was…read morecertainly convenient as a place to stay for me or my brother when we were in town visiting. But after awhile, it just wasn't economical for my Dad to pay utilities, upkeep, and insurance as glorified Air BnB for his adult children. With Dad's agreement, I took the lead in selling the house, while my Sister managed the large task of clearing everything out. As this wasn't the house we grew up in, there was very little emotion involved in letting it go. At the recommendation of the HOA President, I chose Patty Meese of Friedrich Iowa Realty, who my Dad already knew from previous community volunteer work. As my Dad can sometimes be a little tentative, his comfort level with Patty was a big plus. My Sister liked her too. I enjoyed working with Patty, even thought it was only in person at select times, as I live in Northern Nevada. My Sister and Dad helped pick up the slack with Patty and in the end we sold the house at over asking and relatively quickly. I thought she was very attentive and professional within the central scope of selling the house. However, I do think that a hail storm-related roof repair issue involving the HOA could have been managed better, starting with the fact that I was notified at least a full month after the fact. Once the house was listed, the next phase was when a number of chatting neighbors would invite themselves in to the Open Houses and tell any prospective buyers (who would listen) multiple versions of the "true" story. I've never been part of a sale where house showings turned into what seemed like a neighborhood scrum. That resulted in a "few" unnecessary phone calls to knock down the here say. That was on the agents to control the situation in the house at the time. The subsequent HOA feud (Dad shared his emails) regarding the issue and the often poorly executed insurance company coordination was above any agent's pay grade. However, I found that I should have been given better information all around to best advise my Father. In the end, my Dad took it in stride, even though I feel that the check he had to write post closure (and repair completion) was higher than it should have been. The icing on this cake was the HOA President agreeing with my assessment that their Board decision threw my Dad (who was HOA Treasurer for years) under the bus. Would I use Patty again? Absolutely, as she got the house sale done at better than our price. It was a unique externality that turned a part of this process pear shaped. And in hindsight, I should have been more physically present and better prepared and engaged to set (and execute) some of the parameters of the sale.

We honestly can't say enough about our realtor Ro Smith....AMAZING. She was always on top of her…read moregame, answered our questions & if she wasn't sure she found out. Her clients are always her #1 priority. We really clicked with her from the get-go. Not only did we get a great professional experience with her.but we have gained a great friend out of it. We love her and recommend her 150%. You will not be disappointed :)

Their apartments are great but the management is not. Out apartment was spick-and-span with my…read moreroommates & I taking triple the effort to clean every inch of it. Still, everytime the inspection lady came, she had only bad things to say. They charged us a whopping $150 from our security deposit for just a missing bulb and the burner covers! I had no idea they were notorious in charging tenants money over cleaning/maintenance at the end of the stay. In our defense, the patio bulb was already missing when we moved in.

I'm not sure where all of the bad reviews are coming from. I lived with these guys for about 4…read moreyears, and out of all of the rental companies, I've ever had PPM, has been, by-far, the best. If I ever had complaints, they were there to fix them. Twice during my four years, the water went wonky and started backing up from my sink. It was almost always in the middle of the night, though, but I called their emergency line, and they had someone there within a half-hour both times. Both times, the problem was resolved that evening. The repair guys were always friendly, and I ended up with a pretty good rapport with many of them. It's not that things were always breaking - it's that PPM was great about doing regular maintenance and replacing older appliances. The dishwasher detergent "door" stopped latching one day. I submitted an online maintenance request to see if they could fix it. The repair guy came by, looked at it, said my dishwasher a couple years older than some of the other ones in the building, and brought in a new dishwasher and replaced the entire thing that day. While I was living there, we also got a new oven, new toilet, new water heater, new air conditioning unit, and new light fixtures. They keep their apartments current and pretty. Common areas were vacuumed and cleaned on a regular basis. When it snowed or iced, it was shoveled and plowed before noon the next day. The garbage can for the mailboxes was regularly emptied. Despite the laundry being "Free", the laundry machines were always working great, and they even work way better than the "paid" ones I have to now pay for at my new property manager. Turns out I had been overpaying my rent for a couple months. Instead of just pocketing the money, they let me know and told me I could underpay the next upcoming month. Great service. Move-out inspection was pretty uneventful. Keep your own cleaning supplies around. The inspector let me know what things needed a "bit more", and she let me clean it then and there to avoid any fees. I didn't clean the oven, so I was charged three hours for that, but I consider that reasonable for the interior of it. They offer a utility guarantee for some of their apartments too. They have a number what you "should" be paying. If you pay more than that for utilities, they refund you half of the difference. Every year, I submitted for this (you need to submit for it, so keep your paperwork!), and every year they submitted my refund with no problems. It's good to know that they have incentive to make sure heating/electricity/insulation is as perfect as possible. The only downside is that they DID raise the rent every year on lease renewal. As this was happening to my friends renting with other companies, I think it was happening (and is) happening throughout Ames and PPM was just trying to stay competitive. From when I first signed the lease to when I moved out, I was paying about $75 more per month than when I first signed. All that said, if I would have known earlier that I would be staying in the area (silly job search), I would have re-rented with them in a heartbeat. They are, by far, the best landlords I've ever had.