Buyer beware!! If you enjoy expensive monthly payments, are a fan of apartment life in general, don't mind the only amenity being a poop-filled dog yard, and plan to stay there for a long time, then by all means, it's a great place.
Warning: This is long, so grab a coke, tea, or coffee and settle in.
However, If I could give zero stars, I would. The lease agreement is purposely very ambiguous regarding matters of lease termination. When asked for guidance, the property manager, Misty, was reluctant to say anything and said she'd check with the higher ups. We never received any word, but did see and communicate with Misty numerous times. She was always very friendly and seemed helpful.
About a month later, still with no clarification, we submitted a nearly two month written notice of intent to leave due to an emergency. There was ample time to notify us of any issues. Again, Misty was very friendly anytime we saw her or had a question about leaving (like did she know anyone who'd want a couch, etc). She also saw us packing and moving items. We even asked what would happen to the security deposit. She said we'd forfeit it, and we expected as much.
So by now, we're talking about at least a three month period where they had every opportunity to speak, email, or text with us about the lease and our request and how they were feeling about it, any negotiations they desired, etc. All this time, BTW, the rent was always paid on time.
I received the automated "July's rent will be deducted soon" email. I immediately texted Misty to ask about it and to remind her that June was our last month. She said that she "couldn't end our lease until we turn in the key." We made sure to deliver the key to her personally in June. Misty was very nice in taking the key and told us good luck.
We were under the impression we were all good.
Within a week and a half of when July's rent would have been due, I get a call from Nexum Group debt collectors saying that Starling Grove Apts was suing us for thousands and thousands of dollars. And -- that I needed to pay immediately or else have my stellar credit tarnished for the rest of my life.
Lewis, the debt guy on the phone said that management said they contacted us about this happening. THERE WAS NO NOTIFICATION WHATSOEVER. I asked for the documented proof of this alleged "communication." Of course, none could be provided.
BTW -- Does it make any sense that I was reported to collections so quickly? We're talking just days after the rent would have been due. Even if they ignored all of our questions and requests, why would they not contact us on July 2 to ask where the payment was before suing? It stinks to high heaven and it shows that they did this to us with intent well before July 1.
I immediately called Misty. Of course, she didn't pick up my call. I texted her and she texted back saying she has no control over who "management" decides to sue or not to sue.
I 100% believe we were entrapped and sued on purpose because they were under the wrong impression that we'd be easy marks. I also believe this must be their business model. Rent the apartment out again while also forcing the previous tenants to pay for the same apartment.
These people had months of opportunity where they could have simply told us that what we were asking was simply not possible. We were aware of that possibility, and, at that time, could have budgeted on keeping the apartment for the full term.
But, instead, with a smile on their faces, they lead us with intent onto a path of what is essentially blackmail.
I am pursuing legal action. The debt collector said the apartment managers always win. The little guy always loses and gets his life ruined. Well, we were entrapped and wrongfully treated. I'm going to explore every opportunity to see that justice is finally given to the little guy.
None of this had to happen had Misty, or someone, simply talked with us. At the time, we would have been able to coordinate keeping the apartment. But, they waited until it was too late on purpose and purposely chose to attempt to destroy lives.
I highly suggest they update the lease to provide more information to the poor souls who trust them to treat them right. BTW, it is rather telling that management picks and chooses who to screw over.
I will consider revising this review if management actually does attempt to contact me to remedy the situation. read more
