Went in today to pick up the rental listings. This is the third time I have gone in to get the list, and not one person in the lobby even acknowledged that I was there. Not one single "Hello, how are you" or "Do you have any questions"...I just didn't exist to them.
I leave and go to look at some of the units. First one I come across as we are driving, happens to have a Tinetti "For rent" sign, but is not on the list. I call to inquire and I am put on hold. I wait, and the phone begins to ring again and the same person picks up, "Thank you for calling Tinetti, this is Christina, how can I help you" or something to that effect. "Yes, hi, you had put me on hold, I was calling about the property on Tamworth Ct." Her reply? "Oh I'm sorry I have a few calls ahead of you, do you mind holding?" I just hung up.
I proceed to get out an dtake a look at the unit anyways and this is what I come across: Rundown, filthy and unlivable in its current condition. However online it is listed as 'available now'. Let's start with the outside: the gate for the backyard, on the ground. At least 8ft section of the fence missing between the neighbor to the right's backyard. Walk into the back yard, garbage EVERYWHERE. Weeds in the backyard are at least knee-high, and I am 5'9". Front porch has multiple disposable razor blades strewn about. Look in through the kitchen window: multiple floor tiles shattered, dirty beyond belief. Suffice it to say, not move-in-ready, by any means. Why is there even a sign in front of this unit? I would be embarrassed to advertise this house in its current condition.
I know someone who has rented through Tinetti and was charged a double deposit ($900). When her neighbors next door moved out, her apartment became infested with cockroaches and mice. Did management do anything about it? The cockroaches, yes after a few complaints. They came out and sprayed. Never completely rid the place of the pests. As far as the mice, I don't think anything was done. When she moved out, I helped her and her mother clean the place, top to bottom. The only thing we did not do is wipe down the fans, the air conditioner filter housing deal, steam clean the carpets and we did not replace the light bulbs that were burnt out when she moved in. They took WAY to long to send her a breakdown of charges, I think it was like 25-28 days after she turned her keys in. Law states it can be no more than 21 days. They tried to tell her that they were charging cleaning fees and painting fees (including paint brushes...big no-no) and who knows what else....they wanted to return to her something like $47. Out of $900. She fought them tooth and nail and got slightly more than half her deposit back if I remember correctly.
After her experience I am not sure why I have even considered renting through these scam artists. But after the warm welcome I received today, they are not even on my radar. read more