I just happened across the review by "Mo F." and would like to set the record straight.
I am the owner of this apartment, which serves occasionally as my private residence and is furnished with custom built-ins, Kreiss Collection upholstered pieces, West Elm glass table and Breuer-style leather dining chairs. Upon move in, Mo commented on the superior condition in comparison to places she'd seen, saying she would take good care, as she was a landlord, as well.
At one point, I had the unit offered for sale, but soon observed that it was not in acceptable showing condition, although I had extended a generous rental concession to the tenants to cover any inconveniences. As it was obvious that I would not get an acceptable offer, I took it off market.
However, I was totally unprepared for the condition in which I found the apartment when the tenants left, in a hurry, to go on vacation. The lease states very clearly that, minus normal wear and tear, the premises are to be returned in the same condition as when rented, any plumbing stoppages are the responsibility of the tenant, and any damages are to be quickly brought to the attention of the landlord. These are standard rental lease agreement terms.
What I found was a severely backed up dishwasher with broken glass (which I had paid to have repaired once before), large red wine stains on the living room couch and etched into the Italian limestone flooring, soiled upholstered bedboard, frayed and cut dining room chairs, abundant dog hair over furnishings and floor, missing light bulbs, and a shoddy attempt to cover dirt spots on the custom cabinetry with mismatched paint. There was no attempt at cleaning, and the list goes on. The repairs were way in excess of the $2,900 deposit although, contrary to Mo's assertion, I did return $1,200 to them -- totally undeserved as it was.
I am also appalled that she and her husband are attacking Pete Saxon Realty, since her dealings were always directly with me. She even asked, when she said she was engaging an attorney, if their complaint should involve Pete Saxon or be limited between landlord and tenant. I told her clearly that Pete Saxon had no part in the dispute. But, here she is placing blame on everyone but herself, and making the slanderous accusation that agents routinely keep tenant deposits.
Although I am a broker, I have kept my license with Pete Saxon Realty because he has twenty-five years of exemplary service to clients and I value his knowledge and integrity.
Hedy Rogers Niblack
CA DRE Licensed Broker #00991274 read more