**RENTER BEWARE**
I moved into The Local Sugar Hill in April of 2024. At first, I enjoyed my time living there. The staff was friendly, and aside from the occasional noisy neighbor and overflowing dumpster, there were not too many problems. When I was offered an opportunity to extend my lease, I accepted.
Shortly after I renewed my lease, the water pressure in my apartment plummeted. I was unable to bathe properly, could not wash my dishes effectively, and my clothes washer was unable to complete a cycle (see pictures). I immediately reported the problem, but I was met with skepticism and doubt. I visited the office several times and re-reported, but they told me it had something to do with nearby construction, and that they could not fix the problem.
I lived in these conditions for four months before I decided I could not take it anymore. I was paying an exorbitant monthly rent for a "luxury apartment," but my shower and appliances were useless. I informed the staff by certified mail that since they could no longer provide the amenities I was paying for each month, I planned to vacate the apartment by the end of the year, giving them 60 days notice.
The property manager said that if I vacated the apartment, I would be responsible for paying a $3000 early termination fee. I offered to pay half the fee (an extra month's rent), just to resolve this amicably, but they refused. They told me that I could either live in the apartment without improved water pressure, or I could pay the termination fee.
It's four months since I moved out, and they have reported my debt to a collection agency. My attorney has informed me that there is very little recourse to fight this injustice. They will attack my credit until I succumb to their pressure. With no other option, I decided to pay the full termination fee so that the collection account would be removed from my credit report. I stopped by the office with a check at the end of May 2026, and one of the residents informed me the water pressure issue had still not been solved.
Even throughout our conflict, the staff and maintenance team were friendly and seemed genuinely motivated to solve the water pressure problem. Unfortunately, this does not change the fact that the problems persisted. The staff was proactive with the collections agency, but this doesn't absolve the ownership group from their unwillingness to compromise. Rent one of these apartments at you own risk! read more