I moved into CMC Properties Saratoga Place Apartments in Erlanger, Kentucky at the end of 2018,…read moreinitially residing in a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom unit with two storage closets and a dishwasher at building 3434. During the three years I lived there, I faced multiple issues, including persistent water leaks that caused my water bill to exceed $120 monthly, even though it was just my four-year-old son and me in the apartment. We also dealt with mold problems, and the general upkeep of the neighborhood was poor, with litter, cigarette waste, and cracked roadways and driveways contributing to an unclean environment.
The apartments lacked in-unit washer and dryer hookups and central air conditioning. Additionally, the walls were extremely thin, more akin to plaster than proper drywall, which affected our privacy and comfort. For several years, my family has experienced recurring respiratory issues, sometimes requiring doctor visits and hospital care. These health issues seem closely tied to the persistent mold in the unit, which was never fully addressed. The maintenance team advised us to keep our air conditioner on eco-dry mode, even in summer, to prevent mold growth, but despite following this guidance, mold continued to appear. As a plant owner, I've observed mold growing on both the soil and leaves of my indoor plants after watering, as well as on walls and ceilings in our unit. Maintenance staff suggested using mold spray and regularly cleaning the air conditioner, but we were only able to clean the filters as the unit design limited further access. The AC itself is merely fitted into a wall opening, leaving an unsealed gap around it. During colder months, we wrap the unit in plastic after thorough cleaning, but with no other airflow options, it becomes impossible to keep it sealed for long once warmer weather returns.
In 2021, shortly after I renewed my lease at 3434, Shawna, who was the manager at the time, informed me of a significant plumbing issue. She explained that the main plumbing line, which ran under our kitchen, dining room, and main bathroom, needed extensive repairs and that we would have to vacate our apartment. Shawna explained that the pipes, dating back to the 1980s, required immediate attention. Hoping for a smooth transition, I was open to cooperation. Shawna showed us two options: a one-bedroom with a small office space for my then seven-year-old son or a two-bedroom unit that was out of my budget.
The two-bedroom unit, newly renovated, was visually appealing with an open kitchen design and stainless-steel appliances but in return I lost 2 of my storage closets and still no washer dryer hookups. Hoping for a better living environment, I chose the two-bedroom, although Shawna informed me that I would not be able to retain my previous lease terms despite having renewed just two months earlier. My rent increased by $395, an amount I was uncomfortable with, but I felt unable to challenge it due to financial constraints.
Once we moved into the new unit, I began noticing more issues. The kitchen island, for example, wasn't fully attached; maintenance eventually secured it with L-brackets but did not seal it properly. The walls were even thinner than those in my previous apartment--there was often a noticeable vibration when touched. Hanging items on the wall proved difficult due to a lack of studs. Within a week of moving in, we experienced flooding from an upstairs neighbor's overflowing tub, which damaged the wall behind my bathroom. Maintenance placed a dehumidifier and later removed the soggy wall section but didn't replace it until the plumbing was repaired, leaving the area exposed for days. Once the wall was finally fixed, it was evident where the cuts had been made, detracting from the "renovated" appearance. This approach to maintenance, prioritizing quick fixes over quality, has left me disappointed.
Mold issues persist in this unit, affecting even my plants, reinforcing the idea that these aging apartments require major updates. Our newly installed bathroom has plastic paneling in the tub area, and whenever we clean, mold can be seen falling out from the crevices, indicating that the problem is embedded deeper than surface cleaning can address. Despite rent increasing by $50 annually, there have been no noticeable improvements to the complex, which makes it difficult to see any commitment to maintaining the property.
Management has also restricted assistance options, declining rent support from local churches, which has placed undue financial stress on tenants. I was informed by Leah in the front office that CMC Properties no longer accepts rent assistance or vouchers, a decision that was not communicated to tenants beforehand and which may even be unlawful. Over the past four years, management has changed five times, contributing to inconsistent policies and support.
Renting from Saratoga Place has been the most challenging experience I've had as a tenant.
