Shangri-La Apartments / Precision Management
This was the first place I saw in this area after so many other disappointments. I have to admit that I made a rash decision even though I had concerns about the veracity of the property manager's (PM) statements and way of characterizing the complex. When touring the apartment, the PM stated that the rent would never be raised. Yet, as soon as someone leaves items in the trash/recycling rooms, the PM threatens to raise all residents' rent. There are cameras in the waste rooms which should help identify who has difficulty properly disposing of waste. When someone believed that there was cigarette smoker in/near the building, the PM threatened to have Bothell Police search residents' units.
The PM described the apartments as a luxury hotel with custom-oatmeal-colored paint. However, I informed her that I was looking for a place to call home for a few years and noted displeasure with the bland paint color. The PM stated that could be discussed later, but I sensed that was a lie and let it go. Recently, I received an email to remove patio string lights per the lease agreement I signed as "Decks/Balconies/Patios may ONLY contain 'Appropriate' patio furniture; and, are not to include items on or within the balcony area such as: clothing, rugs, towels, items hung from or over the deck railing, flags, kites, wind chimes, trellises, blinds, bicycles, kid's toys, trash, workout equipment, boxes, indoor furniture, storage bins, etc." I acquiesced as I looked out over the other hotel balconies... I do not mind the bikes, but the trash bag, I have to agree, is an eyesore. Patio lights hardly seem to be the eyesore here.
This complex was not exceptional, but better than the few places I had seen. Precision Management claims that their residents do not "just rent apartments," but feel the "comfort and security that makes [their] residents happy to call [it] home." Home ownership is not an option right now, but I had hoped to find an apartment complex that would approximate that home-like feeling without frequent threats to violate privacy, security, and well-being; and, allow for the occasional whimsical décor which is truly the way to make a place feel like home and not another boring cookie-cutter hotel room. Reasonable property management companies recognize the value in retaining good tenants. Fortunately, there are a hundred new developments... read more