10 Things Smart Renters Watch for When Apartment Hunting
December 14th, 2005With all the apartments out there, finding one that’s ideal for you can be a daunting task. When you go apartment hunting, you usually have a few things in mind: abundant parking spaces, cheap apartment, big bedrooms, resort style pool; but what you might not notice is the sleazy man sitting on his balcony by the pool with binoculars. Being gawked at by Mr. Peepy might take the enjoyment out of your afternoon swim. It’s good to keep a look out for things that might suggest the apartment is not all it’s cracked up to be. Because once you move in, you’ll realize there is more to it than a lavish bedroom and sparkling jacuzzi. We’ve got a few warning signs to help keep you out of bad news apartments.
1. There is no phone number for the maintenance person.
Your toilet overflows in the middle of the night? Hope you’re handy with a wrench! Most apartments have someone that tenants can call – even after hours – if something major goes wrong. If there is no such number, it’s likely that most of the apartment maintenance will be done by you, so get your toolbox ready. Sometimes small things such as this are overlooked when apartment searching, but they quickly become big problems when you’re actually a tenant. Inquire about how many maintenance people work on the property, how to get in touch with them, and when they are available.
2. While you are touring the property, an angry tenant chases down the landlord with a problem.
While this might just be the sign of an obsessive compulsive tenant, most likely it’s an indication of a bad landlord. You want the landlord to be attentive and responsive to your needs while you live there, so make sure that the people currently living there seem to be taken care of. If the landlord ducks behind bushes as people go in and out of their apartments, you might need to worry about the rapport between tenants and management. Make sure you ask how tenants’ problems are addressed, and what the typical problems consist of. If at least one tenant’s roof caves in once a week, it might be time to hop in your car and speed to the next apartment on your list.
3. You see a burglary bulletin board in the office and it’s covered.
You knew you heard breaking glass while you were touring the property! Some of the worst apartment areas are ones with high crime rates. You want to feel safe in your apartment, and not have to worry about leaving poor little Fluffy – and your brand new flat screen TV – all alone when you go home for Thanksgiving. Cars with taped up windows and wires hanging from where the stereo should be are also bad signs of the worst apartment areas. You want to make sure and check out the area you are living in, not only the apartment complex itself.
4. Your landlord won’t show you an actual unit until you’ve signed the contract.
Dirty tile? Dingy carpet? Old tenants? Who knows what they could be hiding from you. You wouldn’t buy a car you had never laid eyes on, so should you really agree to live in an apartment you’ve never seen? Make sure you see the apartment you would be living in before you sign anything. Even if you can’t see the exact unit you will be living in, ask to see one with the same floor plan to make sure it’s what you expected. Otherwise, you might end up living in a room the size of a closet. You don’t mind not having a refrigerator, do you?
5. The sparkling pool is filled with snotty nosed screaming children.
At last, your tour has come to the make it or break it point: the aquatic accommodations. This is where you plan on bronzing every day after school, scoping out potential hotties, and cooking out with friends on the weekends. Aww cute! Little kids splashing about. Twenty little kids, no adults, and they’re all screaming at the top of their lungs, blowing their nose in the water, and who knows what else. This isn’t the tropical paradise you had envisioned. This scene also suggests that the entire complex may be noisy and overrun with unsupervised children, which can intrude on a cram session, or even worse… a party. Make sure that the surroundings are conducive to the type of lifestyle you lead.
6. There is no parking. And it’s Monday morning.
Either the complex serves as a neighborhood parking lot, or there isn’t sufficient parking for the residents. Both of these would be a problem. Finding parking on campus is treacherous enough, you shouldn’t have to cruise your own parking lot for hours waiting for someone to leave. A good apartment complex should have at least enough spaces for its residents if not designated guest spaces as well. Make sure you ask the landlord about parking rules and availability. Unless you and your friends have sworn off automotive transportation, this could be a big issue.
7. The landlord mentions something about sex offenders living in the complex.
Unless you’re interested in pursuing a career in parole investigation, this would probably be seen as bad news. Since the people living in your complex will be your neighbors, it’s important to get a feel for the type of people living there. Creepy old men lingering poolside, young hooligans congregating in the parking lot, and scantily clad women hanging around questionably can be indications that the clientele might not be top of the line. While this might seem interesting to sociology majors, most people would find these sketchy residents to be a drawback. Ask the landlord to describe the assortment of residents, and then decide if these are the kind of people you want to be surrounded by. Would you really want to ask big Rusty with the skull and crossbones tattoo to feed Fluffy during spring break?
8. Next to the Management designated parking space is one that reads “Orkin Man.”
Great! Your apartment stays on top of pest control. But a permanent parking space for the bug guy could indicate a persistent pest control problem. Unless you like roaches running across your feet as you get a glass of water at 2 am , or enjoy fumigating your apartment on a weekly basis, this could pose a problem. Pest problems are not only created by dirty residents, but can crop up due to shoddy construction. Make sure that the complex doesn’t have a history of pest problems, and, if and when the bugs do start crawling, they have a reliable solution.
9. On your tour, you pass by residents holding signs that read “Don’t move here!”
One of the best sources you have on your apartment search is current residents. They have dealt with problems of the complex, and have already gotten an insider’s view into the management’s responsiveness. Talk to people you see on the tour, and ask them how they like it. If they cringe, looking at the landlord, and answer you sarcastically with “Gee, I just love it here” it might be a sign of a bad landlord. Current residents have no incentive to talk up the place, and they’ll generally give you an honest assessment of their experience.
10. The apartment isn’t on ApartmentRatings.com
If you don’t see it here, forget about it!
December 22nd, 2005 at 11:32 pm
I have a question about item number 10. I made the mistake of moving into a frequently cited complex (hint: it is listed no. 1 but not necessarily for the right reasons). I had to move and break the lease after misleading information given by the landlord and general community problems). My new apartment complex is satisfactory but not listed on apartmentratings.com. Does this mean that the unlisted partments are always the undesirable ones?
December 27th, 2005 at 12:52 pm
Apartment Ratings rely on tenants to leave comments on apartments they live in. Just because an apartment complex is not listed on apartmentratings.com, it doesn’t mean that they’re undesirable, it just means that no one has left a comment. Since you’re so satisfied, you should leave a rating at apartmentratings.com and let everyone know of your great new apartment. You should also leave a negative review on the “no. 1″ listing.
Share your knowledge
December 29th, 2005 at 1:13 pm
Some of the items listed here are simply not portrayed correctly. I have been in the property management industry for ten years, and a lot of things have changed during that time. Landlords are prevented by law from doing several of the items above. For example, if asked about the ‘types’ of residents in a community, leasing staff MUST NOT ANSWER it. The only responses allowed are along the lines of “we have a great mix of residents” or “all sorts”. Management is not allowed to offer additional information due to Fair Housing Laws. Identifying additional information could be seen as discriminatory.
Also, management is not allowed to disclose any criminal information. You should expect a response such as “Crime has no home; you can never guarantee anyone’s safety; etc”. For this sort of information, you should always contact a local police department, and for demographical info, contact your local census bureau or school system.
Don’t assume the worst just because the leasing staff won’t answer all your questions!
January 16th, 2006 at 9:15 am
If an apartment is not listed be wary.
If I am really interested in a property that is unlisted, I list it and wait for comments. The key is to make it as easy as possible for people with the info you want to give the info to you.I am sure there is more you could do to encourage comments if you really want them, I’ll leave that to your creativity.
If the “new” apartment is a clearly long existing building and not listed, perhaps the ownership and name have recently been changed. While this is not always a bad thing, and can mean good news in the future, it should be a red flag to alert an apartment seeker to ask more questions and do more more research. Owners of properties that are on the market for sale, have been known to lower their tenant standards so they can sell the property at a higher price. This can give you neighbor nightmares for years to come. Sometimes Owners of “listed” properties even skip many kinds of maintenance for a long period of time before the property sells, the “whitewash” to improve the appearance. Be wary when the property has changed names/owners/management companies.
January 26th, 2006 at 10:36 pm
The police are not allowed to make comments either… I’ve been looking for an apartment in NJ, and invariably the local poclice depts have told me they are not allowed to give advice on the complexes, and that i would have to check the state police website for crime statistics — which only narrow it down by town, not by PARTS of town or complexes. The only way i have found around this, is that i asked one officer, in person, “If your daughter were thinking of moving here, would you advise her to ‘keep looking’?” And the Officer nodded yes, vigorously.
February 16th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
Yes, yes, Yes, you are quite right. I have been a Resident Manager in the Northern Virginia area since 1973, and many many things have changed in our business as you mentioned. We are NOT ALLOWED TO COMMENT ON WHAT TYPES OF PEOPLE LIVE ON THE COMPLEX, THE ONLY THING WE ARE ALLOWED TO SAY IS “ANY PERSON WHO MEETS OUR RENTAL CRITERIA AND STANDARDS CAN LIVE HERE!!!!”
The one thing that I would tell anyone who is looking for a rental apartment is to VISIT THE PROPERTY AT NIGHT AFTER THE OFFICE IS CLOSED, THIS WILL SHOW YOU, A FEW THINGS, LIKE THE LIGHTING, AND ANY PARKING PROBLEMS, AND ANY GANG TYPE ACTIVITIES.
And yes, do ask people who already live there if they like it, and what they don’t like about it!!!!
March 14th, 2006 at 1:18 pm
Sex offender info is public and some states are more aggressive than others in how they require notice. There is a big difference between being race-neutral (as required by law) and concealing info about crime w/in a complex and other safety issues (which may also be a violation of the law). Maybe some complexes train their managers not to say anything to tenants about who lives in the complex, but that’s not the law in most places. Nor should it be an excuse to mislead future residents.
March 17th, 2006 at 6:01 am
Also talk to people who live in the neighborhood and they can tell you alot. I moved (only a few blocks) and now live in a recently (2005) restored city, state and federal landmarked development that is NOT listed. Only 6 or so units are left to rent. It is wonderful (the usual noise problems in Lower Manhattan EVERYWHERE because of street work/WTC re-building for many years to come). I would NEVER live most places on John Street because it is student haven and the street is under constant construction. This apt. site confirmed what I already knew being a neighborhood resident for 10+ years.
April 1st, 2006 at 1:43 pm
Well, here’s a little insight for you ~ You just might want to be aware of the mngmt.- who ended up having a criminal past of vast priors/convictions- & gets hauled off to jail-while your residing there…. He is still locked up from 5 years ago…
April 4th, 2006 at 10:51 am
Check out http://www.familywatchdog.us
They list names, addresses, and pictures.
April 6th, 2006 at 8:55 pm
Far too many postings on this and other sites are obviously the management (at on-site, or corporate level) leaving positive ratings of ‘5′ in order to skew their apartment complex higher than the others that are listed. This careless and idiotic scheme to out-skew each other only masks the fact that most rating sites receive hits from two major demographics- those who are wholly unsatisfied with their apartment, and those who are searching for new apartments.
Therefore don’t trust what you read; every apartment will have negative and positive reviews depending on the experience and perspective of the writers of said reviews, so look at common complaints. I suppose the real litmus test is those apartment complexes whose management is so lazy that they won’t even come by posting fake reviews; avoide those at all costs.
April 20th, 2006 at 12:53 am
I completely agree with this assessment, and was prompted to scrutinize the postings much more closely almost immediately.
Thank you.
April 22nd, 2006 at 10:22 am
gated communities with controlled access carports and visitors parking
April 22nd, 2006 at 10:26 am
when paying your rent : pay to the order
apartment amenities: stackable wash/dryer, refrigrated, city views and pictureques
tenants are not allowed to paint interior apartment walls any other color than specified by management
repairs and maintenance: grounds upkeep
June 3rd, 2006 at 9:41 am
actual if we really want to be quite literal about this…. the example given was more along the lines of a sexual offender and under the laws in many states residents and landlords must be given that information prior to moving…. havent we all heard of megans law?
June 8th, 2006 at 12:25 pm
Parkview court apts look nice on the outside but are a disaster on the inside rude office employees no maintance done until they are in the mood to do so. have to take big steps around the apt so you don’t step on a mouse. they steal the stereos out of your cars they jack up your car and steal your tires. Its drug invested killings have happend here have to share engery bill with building even if you don’t use the heat. It should be against the law to live there. The maintance crew are all on drugs and the property manager is a total idiot. This complex needs to be restaffed. they raise your rent every year for what I don’t know cause it gets worst every year instead of better stay away from parkview courts in yeadon
June 13th, 2006 at 4:35 pm
My concern with this site is the blantant disregard of fair housing practices with regards to advice posted. Appearantly the management of this website has no concern with the fact that “creepy old men” would be discriminatory to both the elderly and men in general. Furthermore, “snot nosed kids” would be a violation of familial status which is in direct violation of any advertisement relating to housing. If proper research was done when this site was formed then I’m sure the standard criminal background check aspect of residential applications would have been addressed. Researching apartments prior to moving in is the sign of a well educated, smart shopper and should be commended. However, the host of such a “research tool” should themselves have atleast some knowledge in the field of which they are providing opinions. It is just a shame to see such a potentially excellent tool being handled by people who don’t know what they’re talking about. Fair housing laws are designed to prevent discrimination and the advice given here seems to encourage it. Shame on you.
June 20th, 2006 at 2:38 pm
Fair housing?? I am SO SICK of hearing that hackneyed ‘discrimination’ claptrap! I’m GLAD they tell it like it is! I for one don’t want to live in a complex with a ton of screaming kids stampeding up and down the stairs and all over the hood of my car!! Been there, done that — and thanks to the laws changing back in the 1980s (prior to which I was living in a blissfully quiet adult-only complex), I can’t even ask about that when I’m looking for a place to rent. Thank goodness there’s a site where people can come and read about what they REALLY want to know about a place before they make a decision to move in. I couldn’t care less about what’s politically correct, I want to know what I’m getting into before I sign a lease.
June 20th, 2006 at 6:45 pm
Oh, get a life…
And a sense of humor. None of the 10 points discriminate, and it ain’t an advertisement…it’s a helpful, playful list.
June 22nd, 2006 at 12:40 pm
I’m relocasting to Md. and I’m considering either Laurel, or Greenbelt areas… The apts that Ive seen from Southern management have been ok… i was actually considering Foxfire apts, one of apts mentioned by a former tenant.. now im thinking twice.. could you direct me possibly to some apts in the areas that i mentioned… please help a sista if u can…
June 29th, 2006 at 8:52 pm
I am recently married and plan on having children in the near future. Looking for “snotty kids” is now even a higher priority. I do not feel discriminated against at all by these tips. I do not want to raise my future children in a community where none of the parents believe their kids should be treating everyone with respect. If I find an apartment complex that fits my needs but has bratty unsupervised kids running all around the pool, swearing, talking back at people, and splashing onto everyone’s dry clothes, my first thought is not going to be, “Oh, this is good place to raise my children, and they will accept my application because they don’t discriminate.” These tips are not ways to avoid living in neighborhoods with old men or with families, but to avoid living in neighborhoods with “dirty and creepy” old men and with out of control famiilies. If the tips are read in full context, this is obvious…
July 4th, 2006 at 9:57 am
Well you sound like you are in the apartment business and not one who is looking out for the renting public. FYI, in Houston now the practice is if there are any descrepences in their so called investigation of potential renters, they get charged a higher deposit than others. It is amazing what you find out after the fact, especially after being in a not so good environment.
July 6th, 2006 at 6:31 pm
For owners to hire new mgmnt. And then begin to charge its tenants for water or garbage utilities is outrages, it just goes to show you how greedy some people are. In all of my years in the mngmt buisness you don,t treat your tenants with that kind of upgrades in utility billing. Always check your apartment out before you sign on a lease agreement.
July 9th, 2006 at 1:04 pm
Hey, if you think anyone in their right mind wants to move in to a complex with peeping toms or juvenile delinquents, you are out of touch with reality. I’m all for diversity, I don’t judge by anything else but behaviour-and the above advice is right on target to be in the know as to what behaviour normal people find offensive.
Hint: Any guy with binoculars pointed my way gives me the creeps. And I’ve had this happen to me-it’s horrible to know that it’s the office manager’s husband who acts as the maintenance man!
Hint: Unsupervised yobs and snot nosed brats mean an intimidated office staff, which in turn means ‘yer stuff ‘n health ain’t safe!
Hint: Money that walks, talks-you dig? But tenants trapped by a lease they were lied/bullied into signing can at least warn off the innocent.
Hint: Satisfied tenants talk, too-or did you miss that?
Hint: Frustrated tenants with no outlet-whadda you want, to close down vent sites like this??-in these crazy times could easily, at least one or two, erupt into violence. EEEuw, like, who wants that, OK? ‘Cause who will they come after first? Management, or neighbours? Either way it could get messy. Way.
Get over yourself.
The advice given every where on this site is so helpful I’m surprised there is no charge for it! EVERYTHING listed above has happened to me as I search for long term rental digs-just yesterday I had #10 happen at two of the three properties I viewed after lunch.
DUH-it’s a quality of life issue!
July 11th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
The apartment I would like to complain about is in Raleigh N.C. The staff there, horrible customer service. There was a pager for the maintainenece guy but he would only call you back if the office was open. The apartment I stay in now currently has a carbon monoxide issue that has been an issue for a least two years. I was not given that information before hand or I would not have signed a long term lease agreement. Now I want to move and they’re not trying to let me out of my lease. Oh yeah it’s up in august how stupid is that.
July 14th, 2006 at 2:28 pm
I completely agree with you! Also, some of the people who are writing blogs obviously do not know that they, as tenants, have rights. Call a local tenant resource center, and find out your rights as a tenant!
July 14th, 2006 at 2:38 pm
I have children also, but I still do not want “bratty” kids all over or their parents, for that matter. I never leave my kids go out alone in our apt backyard and we even live in a cul-de-sac…. yes, perhaps overprotective, but smart, because you never really know a person… your next door neighbor might be a really nice person, but might be “watching” your children in their swimsuits MUCH TOO CLOSELY!
July 14th, 2006 at 2:41 pm
HUH????
July 14th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
here’s another: mapsexoffenders.com
July 15th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
I lived under two management teams in Santa Cruz. The first one was totally awesome. Great experience. The new one sucked more than I could ever imagine. They jacked up the rent, became utterly unhelpful, and were nowhere to be found when you needed them. Even the utilities like water and garbage were raised, and the dumpsters were always overflowing. They even kept one of them LOCKED so no one could use it! To cap it all off, they raped me of my entire deposit and claimed that I owed them an additional $375 when I escaped them (moved out). I’ll be seeing them in court. Moral of the story: new management isn’t always a good thing.
July 19th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
This site should be listed as entertainment. Yes some may have valid concerns but it is really just a festival of complainers. These people are the ones that no matter where they live they will find a problem, because that is the type of people they are. I believe you attract what you put out. If you are a miserable, unhappy person that is exactly what you will find where ever you go. We each create our own realities. If we find ourelves in a negative situation there is always a positive way of handling it.
July 19th, 2006 at 5:14 pm
all of this is very helpful, but what happens when you can’t visit the apartment or talk to the people before you move in? i’m relocating to austin from los angeles and i need to move in basically before i get there, and every single apartment review in the areas i’m looking is negative! i’m trying to filter through everything, but its a little overwhelming. there has to be a decent apartment that is affordable. any suggestions?
July 22nd, 2006 at 4:50 pm
Um ok you said this word over and over in your “response”. These are OPINIONS!!!! The author is this article is not expecting someone to walk up to a complex manager and ask if there are “snot-nosed brats” or “creepy old men”. It’s just telling people to remember to keep an eye out for not so common things that some people overlook when searching for an apartment. Get over yourself and get a sense of humor.
July 23rd, 2006 at 9:42 am
I had the same problem when moving to Atlanta. The thing you have to look for in the ratings is the safety aspect. Most people only leave negative comments when they experienced something bad–that is why most places are rated more negatively than positively. I tried to look past the comments that only focused on “mean, or uncooperating management”, because this is only a personal opinion on someone–who knows what this tenant did to piss off management, and they very well could have had a good reason to be that way. But…if numerous people are saying that there were many cases of robbery or assault in the complex, I would listen to those–especially when they give details. Hope this helps–I had the same problem and ended up going with a complex that was only rated 46%–however, it has been wonderful-none of the negative things I have experienced in my last 9 months stay!
July 27th, 2006 at 12:09 pm
Sometimes it is true that if an apartment does not have a review on here even though the building was built in 1965. Say that the apartment in the new town you are moving to is that. It may be that such bad reviews, or worse, have the owners changing the name every few years. It is something to look for.
July 30th, 2006 at 3:03 am
A couple of things you can do is contact the BBB in Austin and the local law inforcement when you do have a place in mind . Ask what problems have been reported there and how often.( You could also ask for ref. though you never know if they are for real.)
Also in wouldn’t hurt to try to find a chatroom near the area your looking at and chat with some people from there. The more people you chat with the better your chances of getting ‘true’ feedback .
Good luck , hope all works out well for you
July 30th, 2006 at 3:56 am
I am not sure just what set you off. However I think to most of us it was clear that while reminding us to look deep before you leap was the ideal,a little humor was used also.
I know you can not wait to use your education,but you should also remind your self anyone may choose to live (or choose not to live ) any place they wish , for any reason they wish.
It is only if someone refuse service (As far as the Fair housing laws are concerned) to someone that they have been violated.
Come on my friend relax . Don’t be so defensive and hostile .
July 30th, 2006 at 6:12 am
With all due respect please don’t throw around the word ‘raped’ it’s very hurtful to those of us who have actually been physically raped.
I am sorry that you were cheated and hope you get your day in court to set things right.
July 30th, 2006 at 10:49 am
Thanks for setting them straight I had a hard time understanding what the major problem was. I enjoyed the article and truly beleive the language used was meant to be humorous more than violating any laws. Some people eternally seek out the negative aspects of everything and this situation is one of them. There are worst crimes being committed is this world and slumb lords stills exist! We all know how to recognize good advice- use common sense it will never fail.
August 26th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
Shut up and look up the word “rape” please.
Rape (verb) -
1. to force to have sexual intercourse.
2. to plunder (a place); despoil.
3. to seize, take, or carry off by force.
Rape is a perfectly acceptable verb to use in that sentence, just step away from the internet, please.
September 2nd, 2006 at 12:58 pm
It just seems to me that everyone is so concerned with the “type of people” living in the complex…Apartment living is so transitional. Anyone who qualifies can live there and just because you happen to love the “type of people” that live there when you lease doesn’t mean it’s always going to be that way. People you deem “undesirable” might just move in a week into your 18-month lease and then what?? You can’t just move out because you don’t like the fact that your upstairs neighbor is a transvestite or whatever. I can see what people mean when they want to live among those they feel share the same lifestyle preference, whatever that may be, however it’s something that simply can’t be controlled. When you are living in close proximity to others, you are going to live near people you do not like and that’s just a fact. When you purchase a home, are you going to knock on doors and make sure that no children live on your street, etc?? What if your neighbor sells his house and you don’t like the new owner? Not a darn thing you can do. When I was a leasing agent I always used to joke with my co-workers…”who would you complain to if you owned a house? Call the mortgage company?” It just seems like residents can be soooo picky when there is an office staff to blame/complain to. I definitely understand noise complaints, legitimate stuff like that. And by all means, check the sex offender registry before moving ANYWHERE. However just because YOU judge someone to be “undesirable” doesn’t mean they don’t have a right to rent an apartment. Apartment living is definitely not utopia and there’s no way to make it such.
September 13th, 2006 at 3:43 pm
It’s very difficult to choose an apartment in Ga. because of the quantity that’s available. I rely on apartmentratings. com and everyone who resides in apartments, doesn’t comment; so it’s impossible to make a fair choice. What’s even harder is that I have to select an apartment for my family without having the opportunity to review it . If anyone could refer a great community apartment for me and my family, please feel free to e-mail EDONAZAL@YAHOO.COM.
Only mature minded people over 30yrs. of age, please reply only.
Thanking you in advance for your anticipated cooperation with respect to my blind searches.
Mrs. Donazal
September 25th, 2006 at 9:27 am
The blogger who originally made post using the term “rape” was not being insensitive. I myself have used the term loosely in regard to similar situations. But the individual who asked respectfully that the term not be used loosely as they are a victim of definition #1, has been severely traumatized, as are most victims of sex crimes. You my friend, should exercise a little sensitiveity & compassion for someone who is suffering, try to be reasonably understanding as to why she posted her comment and not deliberately inflict more pain on this person! What if someone you cared for was such a victim? Your Mother, Sister, Aunt, Girlfriend or Wife? Even a close friend? YOU need to Shut up, step away from the computer & head for the closet Mental Health Facility to find out why you feel such a need to be so cruel to someone you don’t even know! There are words in the dictionary that are applicable to you - you should look those up!
September 29th, 2006 at 3:41 pm
It seems to me that if people were a little less concerned with their neighbors and focused a bit more on their own business perhaps they wouldn’t be so ticked off all the time!
Robert Frost wrote a poem “Mending Wall” where he explains how “good fences make good neighbors”. I’m the most social person I know, yet I know none of my neighbors by name. I know they will call 911 if I need them to, but we are not buddies, no one shows up with a six-pack to hang out or anything ridiculous like that. I could care less if my neighbors were little green men from mars- as long as they don’t bug me! I’ll give them their space, too and we’ll all just go our own ways.
So what if I run out of sugar? I’m pretty sure I’ve made do in the past, no need to bother my neighbors and frankly, I’d be a bit irritated if the bugged me for that (funny… I don’t mind telemarketer calls, yet borrowing a cup of sugar makes me mental).
October 1st, 2006 at 12:33 am
If you want to avoid kids look for places with one bedroom, or small/expensive two bedroom apts–but no three bedroom apts!
October 1st, 2006 at 8:48 pm
I’d love to know the fantasy island you live on where location and neighbors don’t matter. The article uses exaggerated circumstances to illustrate a potential problem to their target audience, presumably single people in their 20’s. (That’s not against the law, by the way.) And fair or not, people do take lifestyle they have in mind into account when looking at potential places to live.
The article is meant to be a humorous look at what could happen if you pay a little too much attention to the building itself when renting. Would you suggest an elderly woman move a block away from a college campus with 10 bars down the street because it’s in her price range? Or would you have a family with small children move into an apartment with no place to play without informing them first? Please exercise common sense before writing a novel about how offended you are.
October 9th, 2006 at 12:07 am
You are the stupid one…if your lease isn’t up until August, then it’s not up until August. Idiot.
October 19th, 2006 at 5:50 pm
I completely agree with you. You cannot base a very important decision on the type of you people you assume (and judge) live there. You should always try to live somewhere that does have strict criteria for any applicant, but you are not always going to like everyone. If you don’t like kids, then maybe you should live in a retirement community or get a house!!! You will never be able to control your neighbors or their actions. Also, this website and the complaints are definitely not always accurate. Most of the people that write bad reviews are pissed off about something, and you’re not hearing both sides. I’ve seen people write the most absurd things, that they couldn’t possibly know what they are talking about. You should definitely take that into consideration when reading the reviews.
November 5th, 2006 at 10:35 pm
Sorry, but that is public information. I used to work at a police department answering questions just like this. The number of calls that the PD gets from or regarding any address is kept by most, if not all, police departments. If the person you are talking to squrms or protests, just say the magic words, “Freedom of Information Act.” It works wonders.
November 11th, 2006 at 11:07 am
sorry, but this kind of comment is why they should require registration to post here. either that, or get an editor. there is no excuse whatsoever for talking to someone like that.
November 11th, 2006 at 11:14 am
I agree. If there are a bunch of abercrombie wearing brainless 20something too-cool-for-life wannabe frat/sorority idiots standing around swilling beer in their khaki shorts and backwards baseball hats, i want to know about it. if a bunch of stuck up primadonnas who dont even look at you when you walk by each other in the hallway and try to say ‘hello’, and they call the apartment manager because your car is the wrong brand, i dont want to live there.
November 13th, 2006 at 7:22 pm
I wish this actually made sense for the complex I live in. One bedroom apartments with mom, dad, 3 kids, and another on the way…IN A ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT. They must do it in the closet and sleep in dresser drawers.
November 19th, 2006 at 1:53 am
pretty sure thats against the law, for each room you are allowed maximum 2 occupants
November 19th, 2006 at 12:08 pm
If the state of your home life, and the ability to sleep at night is important to you you will not move in anywhere blind. Take a short apt. shopping trip in advance, meet with an apartment locator or two, go see a few properties. Do research on the ones you like. If for some unreasonable conditions, you simply cannot go in advance, then have the moving company delay delivery of your goods for 1-2 weeks, or if you have to place your things in temporary storage facility, get a temporary place to live in your new town, go shop for an apartment when you get there.
I have lived in several cities, several states,and a few countries in my lifetime. I will not move in anywhere without seeing it in person as well as doing a little research. It would be sheer insanity.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:22 pm
Yeah, except changing a property name is not as simple as you make it sound…and it’s costly. I doubt this is common practice. I KNOW it’s not common in the city I live.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:32 pm
If by discrepancies, you mean LIES on an application, then you shouldn’t get charged a higher deposit…you’re application should be immediately DENIED.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
And because of fair housing, you will not get a straight answer regarding these issues. Do your own investigating. Check the place out on your own. Walk around, check out the playgrounds (what kind of children are there?), drive around the complex at night on a weekend (is there partying that you can tell?). Better yet, are you over 55? If so, you can rent at a seniors only community. If not, please do everyone a favor and rent a house. Guaranteed, you are just as unwanted by your neighbors as they are to you. Another suggestion is to check out price ranges. In a lot of instances, you get what you pay for. If the rent is high, most single moms who want to be “friends” with their children cannot afford such a place. Also beware of “move in specials”. They tend to attract people who wouldn’t normally be able to afford it. I’ve always rented the higher priced apartments and have always been happy with my decision.
December 29th, 2006 at 7:55 pm
LOL! That’s what I said.
January 14th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
I don’t think you noticed his date of posting. He posted his comment in July, so he was basically saying, “Even though my lease is up next month, my landlord is not wanting to let me leave”. Perhaps he has an issue with providing sufficient notice on an auto-renew lease or something.
January 26th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
It would be helpful to have these comments in chronological order…
Yes, the stimulus article was “tongue in cheek” - how about someone writing another will positive, direct advice?
SK
February 25th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Not always. I’m very easy to get along with, but am suffering from severe respiratory problems due to mold in my apartment that the maintenance hasn’t even tried to fix, and we’ve been asking for months! So, I believe I have a valid reason for my complaints about my apartment, and if you can find anything positive about severe respiratory problems, then please, let me know! Some things are beyond what our mood can control. I agree with you that mood can control what we get our selves into, but it’s not a hardfast rule and can have some exceptions.
February 27th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Most of us that rent would be happier if we could live with like folks. That means we don’t want to live with people with pets (necessarily), we don’t want to live with people that party all the time, we don’t necessarily want to live around people with kids, etc. Where are OUR rights? Frankly, people I know that rent would be happier if people with kids live in buildings with others with kids, etc., etc.- the list is endless.
No, WE are the ones discriminated against. Wise up!
March 14th, 2007 at 8:01 am
My daughter is moving to Chicago in June to attend law school. We need help finding a nice apartment in a nice,safe location. any suggestions would be helpful.
March 16th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
The exact scenario explained in #2 of this article happened to us when we were looking for apartments in the Grapevine, TX area. While we were touring the property, there was a city employee fixing a broken gas line, maintenance workers pulling down and reinstalling signs, and while we were there, the electricity went out in the entire complex because a power line fell. Just fell down! There were screens and shutters off of the buildings all over the place. And here’s what the property manager told the tenants as they were coming into the office to ask about the electricity,” I have to show these nice people around first, and as soon as they are done, I”ll call the electric company.” What?!?! So, if I sign a lease there, I have to wait until you are done showing off your crappy property to get my electricity turned back on? I think NOT. We never even considered the place. Who in their right minds would have???
March 20th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Hey I Work for a company named nobel realty inc., we are located in chicago and we know the area very well. We can help you find a safe aparment for you daughter at no charge at all. you can reach me by email at nobelpquinones@yahoo.com or by phone at 773-227-8282. Hopefully I can help.
March 26th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
I would suggest to live in a nicer nearby areas and travel to school. Lincolnwood is a good neighborhood for instance. Chicago is ok traffic-wise comparing to other big cities, so the commute shouldn’t be too complicated. If she has her own car I would especially recommend living in nearby suburbs. Well, if you have some money (which you might considering the law school), she can just find places in chicago with underground parking and secured entries (an actual sec guard) - that’s then she would have more time to study, and not to worry about parking or safety.
March 29th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Chicago is very expensive and not very nice and clean , there is a lot of crime. most drug dealers deal drugs right in front of the police there, all the ones I have been to usually sell the stuff out of their apartment that is usually in front of a police station. They think they are safer this way.. Lake forest, Elmhurst, Barrington, Barrington hills, lake Zurich are nice places but you are talking at least $900 to $2000 a month.. these are nice places to live, but be prepared to pay for this..
March 30th, 2007 at 11:27 am
I agree. If you were to ask the Leasing Agent what type of people live there the could not answer that question because of steering issues. Your best bet is to ask other tenants or call your local police department for activity in that area or the local Chamber of Commerce.
March 30th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
shame on lawyers for ruining everything
April 3rd, 2007 at 4:30 pm
This is just another tool to help people navigate through a potenially tough situation like apartment hunting. If people choose to base their entire situation on this site, then there might be issues there. So take your fair housing law and go somewhere else. You can’t bar people’s opinions on a website like this. You can walk up to a resident and ask their advice and they may get an answer similar to those you are refering too. If you go seeking opinions you pretty much are throwing the fair housing law out the window. Get real.
April 13th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Ok…the person who replied that Chicago is not very nice or clean and that there is a lot of crime obviously has no idea what they are talking about. As big cities go it does not get any better than Chicago. All you need to do is live in New York, Los Angeles, Miami or Houston (which I have in the past) and you will know immediatlely that Chicago is probably the cleanest and safest of all the big cities in America. Are there areas that are not clean and have crime…of course there are. Every city has theses areas, even the suburbs. Try Lincoln Park or the Gold Coast…very nice…very clean and so much to do.
April 23rd, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Our home is on the market and we’ve
moved out and left the furniture,
but we would take a renter.
If not, try the Lakeview area anything near the lake,
specifically near Wrigleyville and Lake Shore Drive.
Avoid anything between 4000 and about 5000 N Lake Shore Dr. Otherwise on the Lake is right for the
price, South of the Loop starting around Hyde Park, 4700 down to about 6300 S. LSD.
People will recommend the loop or East Gold Coast but
they’re over priced and smaller.
Stick w/ LSD or get a yard, great neighbors, 2car garage etc. in our home in Beverly.
Good Apt. hunting,
9540leavitt@gmail
April 27th, 2007 at 2:30 am
Hi. I agree with much of all everyone has said here.I enjoyed reading the posts.
I have been really checking ratings.com. So far, it seems to be a good avenue to use . It at least is a starting point. I have found quite a bit of accuracy in the ratings so far.We have been firm believers in trying our best to check things out, visiting on nights and weekends.We are approaching middle age, have almost 5 yrs to go to qualify for adult living complex, and just not a party crowd kind of people at this stage .Lived that life long ago.
The main reason for my post?
Actually, a local news station of ours recently uncovered a serious problem, as well as it was very much posted on apartmentratings.com.SCORPIONS! In fact, while the news team was in different apartments, they were climbing on the walls. Everyone in fear and sleeping with lights on. I was really paying attention, as we too are suffering this malady.
I live in Chandler, Arizona.This is in the Phoenix metro area,next to Mesa and Tempe.Please do not say you live in Arizona, so you get what you get.Most and many would tell you… I have lived here all my life, natives, or long timers , and they have never seen a real live scorpion. This is the majority.Honestly.We are not tumbleweeds, and are highly citified. However, it seems that a handful of apartments are really having some major issues.Most are in the appx proximity of each other. The one on the news was in Phoenix, however. It just rang true for us over here.
I had never seen a real scorpion in AZ myself til moving here, and prior to living in this complex, we lived in a pretty isolated area for 1 yr, where you expected to see such critter life, but, we did not.
Does anyone know if an apartment must disclose pest problems? As in some cases of an older apartment, they may let you know they could have lead paint, or asbestos, etc… Well, we have a serious scorpion infestation. I do not say this at all lightly.
I been hunting again tonight online. I had actually typed in my search engine for the City Of Chandler apartment infestation of scorpions. And one of the most notorious apartments came up. I seen this spot, and just clicked and landed here.
I don’t know if laws vary by state. However, this complex we live in, they KNEW they had a severe infestation problem.Unfortunately for us, we did not discover this site til we had moved in. Even the old management stated, ” If we told people, no one would move in”. In the last two months, a new company owns the place, plans to totally renovate, although these are not old apartments at all. Change the name, change to a Tuscon themed complex.Well, most of us feel, you can change all the cosmetic things you wish, but what about the severe problems of scorpions?
One woman had a newborn stung and life hung in the balance for three weeks. Elderly, pets, crawling babies, toddlers, and so forth are much more prone to problems of reactions and allergies of the venom/toxin. This highly goes for chronic illness in people. Where i fall in to. I have a handful of autoimmune diseaseas, and one is highly neuromuscular. I was stung, and I was very ill from this, and my MD’s tried to help pass through the toxins from my affected muscles by neuro massage therapy and drinking loads of water to move it through. I had a lot of tenderness in the area for some time, along with expected numbness for a longer then normal time.
We have been told that the land is saturated with scorpions, and they are in the walls, floors, and esp up in the tile roofs. Oddly enough, they have ivy all over close to the bldgs, and they have trees up against windows and bldgs like crazy. Bark scorpions, hence , bark, they like trees. We also have a severe cockroach problem, which is a major asthmatic issue for me as well.The front doors are not at all flush. At night, if you just stand by the front door in the foyer area, you will just watch things cruise nonchalantly right on in to the floor.And we recently started getting large spiders the leap, and they are now coming under the door. We asked about some remedy to this,weather stripping,anything. Putting a towel has not been as effective as we hoped it would be.
I came back on tonight as I mentioned, when I was sitting at the computer and my husband walked in and said,don’t move, SCORPION. Ok, he got it, as it was trying to make it’s way up the bed. We are on edge at all times.And the season for them is barely starting. Most all units around us are empty, when leases are up, everyone is gone like a flash.No parking problems here,the lot is half empty now. In spite of this, they have upped the rents by hundreds of dollars a month under new ownership. I have finally called the office, and they have had someone out here with blacklights at night. It is so infested, it is not helping. Many of us feel they should be required to shut the place down til they can get some resolution and control here, and at best, be required to tell any new or potential tenant that this is a problem , upfront. It could highly matter to some people as a major health hazard.
It is a shame, they are lovely apartments,if you remove the pest problem.
I am sorry to be so long winded. I am just a nervous wreck right now after having a larger scorpion so near my foot. I dream of taking off my shoes or sandals again.
Any thoughts or ideas on how a person addresses these types of issues? Esp when the owners are totally aware and refuse to divulge this information.
Thank You. NS
April 27th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Lincoln Park and Lakeview are safe bets. They’re both well established as a nice residential area, there are tons of students, and it’s convenient to all of the law schools (except for UC, which isn’t convenient to anything). The only problem there is the abundance of undergraduates and bars, which can make for a little too much disruption.
Graceland West (It’s the area bordered by Irving Park on the South, Motrose on the North, Clark on the East, and Lincoln on the west) has some very nice properties and is a relatively safe area, although it’s a bit of a hike to the L.
Old town is very convenient to all of the schools and has some very nice areas, but there are pockets that are still unsafe.
Lincoln Square is pretty nice and pretty safe and a little more low-key than Lincoln Park and Lakeview, although it is on the Brown Line, which will be a mess for a few years.
If safety is a concern, I would suggest avoiding any of the areas surrounding the loop (South Loop, West Loop, Bucktown, Wicker Park, etc). Although there are some great areas, they’re just too hit or miss if you don;t know the neighborhood.
Hope this helps.
May 9th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
I am renting a lovely 2 bedroom + den condo in Hyde Park (U. of Chicago area), steps from the law school, if that’s where your daughter is attending. If not, easy, safe access by public transportation to downtown (DePaul, Loyola, Kent, Marshall, N’Western law schools). $1250/mo. includes all utilities except electric. And did I mention the in-unit washer/dryer? If interested, please email budafly28@yahoo.com.
May 13th, 2007 at 12:26 am
I wish someone would address rent increases! One yr. it was raised $40 and the next $75, the next $85!! The reason given was “market value”. I wish there was a cap given to landlords, they’re greedy and take advantage of tenants. You would think if they had a good tenant, they’d want to keep them. Not everyone has $2000 a month for an apt. This happened in thousand oaks, ca. Save your money, buy a condo. I hate management companies, they act on the landlords behalf, they don’t care how much they raise the rent.
May 15th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
hello, i will be moving to the Ga area in july and i will not be making a trip down before our move all the ratings have read were very neg i’m trying not to get discourage and stay focused but it’s like are there any good places to live there under 800 just until i can get a feel of the area and know where i want to live.
May 15th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
The problem with a website like this is that it is very helpful but you have to realize that people don’t tend to comment on something unless it’s a negative comment. If they had a positive experience they don’t usually go through the trouble of getting on here just to market the place to more people.
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:30 pm
that apt in raleigh NC wouldn’t happened to be located in the Crabtree Valley area would it? I’ve also had a carbon monoxide problem in my apt for about 6 months (that I have been aware of.. I’m sure it’s been longer though b/c I’ve had numerous problems with my hot water tank over the last 3 years) and maintenance will not fix it properly
June 26th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Happens all the time in the college town where I live. At least once a year. Granted, I don’t know all the circumstances, probably involves a change in management. But the name changers are almost always the complexes with the worst reputations for maintenance and service.
July 17th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Yep, random crimes are everywhere! Chicago is relatively one of the best-kept secrets around in terms of ease of transportation, pride of the city, dining/leisure activities, bars, beauty, and the rents (again, it’s relative) are far less than NY. I know because at this very moment my children are buying condos or renting apartmentsin NY and Chicago!!
July 19th, 2007 at 11:45 am
i will be attending CSULA in the spring. i was told not to find an apartment near the campus for the neighborhoods and surrounding cities are a little sketchy for young girls to be living in. can anyone suggest a few safe cities for me to try seaching for apartments in? i come from a little old cow town where everyone is real friendly, so i can only imagine what a huge change this is going to be, living in los angeles! haha. but any suggestions are much appriciated. thanks!
-katie
August 5th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Author: Jan Spottswood, THE DUNES (apartments) Jacksonville, Florida. “Rent is cheap, Resident Selection Critieria Standards (RSCS) are Stellar.
Happy Sunday.
I would like to add some thought about Rent Increases. Your property’s Resident Selection Criteria Standards (RSCS) are based on your overall personal revenue. (credit, background, income, renting history)
$35.00 increase yearly is considered VERY high. Check to see if property was sold recently. (or on sale and trying to make the revenue look larger for new Byer’s.)
The Landlord has priced you out of the RSCS.
If recently purchased, ask why the Resident’s
weren’t notified of the “Transfer of Contract”! Your lease agreement is a very binding legal document. You should understand this first. BOTH WAYS. ponder that one ……
Now let me also dovetail that thought with … Me/We/Landords all have expenses to pay. EVERYTHING goes us in business dealings as it does in your own home. Most working people get a 4%-8%increase in our salaries per yr. We have to be included in this as well. The cost to run an apartment community for well over 200 homes is truly un-believable. (Just the cost of the gas company to supply gas to the dryers.) There are many infrastructure “projects” going on.
At my property, your RSCS are: 4X rental rates, credit w/ no charge-offs-open collections, (medical and student loans we overlook.) Standards are much higher than any I know of.
Back to increase. You can not get out priced. Then again keep the costs of running business. If you like where you are and the rent increases are $25-$30 then stay. The costs of moving, day of loss income, utility transfer fees, not to mention wounded Friendships… ha
Rent Increase expections:
Carpet cleaned in “traffic areas”, after 6 yrs repaint of apartment, range hood, etc.
You should be rewarded for renewing. Without our Resident’s, we would not have a job. The Owners representative give best customer service, Those are EXPECTIONS you need to seek if not already. If you moved out, it would be done anyway…
If you are looking for an apartment-home in Jacksonville, Florida and want to live where you hear someone sneeze in the parking lot,
Cheap Rent -Stellar RSCS
God Speed
August 8th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
First, you must understand that a management company generally manages for an owner. That being said, when our management company took over the management of the community that I now work in, the rents were very very low. We started rennovations. The properties in the surrounding areas were not doing such. Our community is one of the safest, best kept in the area with brand new everything inside. We did raise rents about 100 dollars a month in some cases but in most cases that didn’t even bring rents up to the prices that the other communities were getting for smelly, old, dingy apartments. If you look at it as if it wer your own buisness it helps you understand a little bit better.
August 13th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
I would like to know if anyone has anything to say about Squire Hill Apartments in Richmond, Virginia.
August 15th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
i moving to clearwater/largo area anyone know of a nice apartment 1 bedroom? help please! everyone i think looks nice i see bad reviews for on here.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:04 am
THEY SUCK dont go to them stay away i currently stay in their apartments. Its a dangerous place to be at night (they wont tell you) there are several rapist in the area and tons of burglaries all the time. The noise here is ridiculous all the time. And though management and the other office staff may seem nice and they are dont get me wrong but do they ever do anything when you have a problem or complaint.. The answer is NO they tell you to just call the police (b’c they dont want to deal with it themselves) when the police get there they still have to report the complaint themselves to the office usually and tell you to just call the office and file a complaint there. You only get a run around and nothing is ever done. As far as parking goes hope you dont have a car lol. Seems the majority out here has at least 3 cars and take up all the parking spaces and leave others to walk and walk. You also have a high risk of your car being vandalized. Its happened to me to.Overral just avoid this high ——- infestated area. its like a ——- welfare apartment complex.
August 25th, 2007 at 9:04 am
Does anyone have any recommendations for apartments in the Great Mills (St. Mary’s County) MD area?
August 29th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
I am planning on putting my home on the market soon. I have not had an increase in pay for over 5 years (job market is not good here), and I already had to fight foreclosure once. Since my credit is shot, but I will have money once I sell, does anyone know how that will affect my finding a place to rent? Do I offer two months rent to show good faith? Do I tell them I can get a co-signer? And should I be upfront and tell them before they even do a credit check? Thanks for any advice that can be given!
September 4th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Plano Texas
Help me find:
courteous staff
competant maintenance
construction that doesn’t have paper thin walls.
The higher income brackett in this zip code doesn’t reflect the above,as I have sadly discovered from my current beautifully landscaped complex.
September 9th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
I moved into an apartment last January. Our landlord sold the place in June. We did not get a transfer of contract. The new landlords wanted to raise our rent $100! We live in a small farming community and what we started out paying was the same as other one bedroom apts. The new landlords are worse! They haven’t done anything around here and mow the yard once a month. They haven’t fixed our deck which is very dangerous. They ended up raising the rent $35 or else they would have ended up having an empty apartment. Is it too late to demand a transfer of contract letting us know if they will remove snow and other things? Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
September 9th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
I live in Avondale and have found 5 scorpions in my house this month! I am terrified and also afraid to sleep and relax at all. I am constantly checking the ceilings and walls of every room I walk in. I don’t know what to do, as management does not seem to find this an urgent problem every time I call. I am afraid of walking around even with my sandals on, and scared to put on my shoes. My complex did not mention the fact that there might be a scorpion in my apartment until after my lease was signed. “Pest” control comes monthly but I feel like it has done nothing to help. I don’t know what to do, but I hate that I am terrified to be in my own house.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Planning a move to Florida, anyone know a good relatively inexpensive apartment near the beach?
October 8th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Run! Go back! Save yourself! Don’t move to Florida! As a native whose family goes back about 150-175 years I say run! Florida is the biggest hole in the ground and if you don’t stop before you move, you’ll never escape. You Don’t Want To Be Here! Trust me! I’m escaping as soon as I can scrap together enough cash to do so!
October 9th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
“The” beach? How much more vague could you get? “HI, I am planning on moving to USA next year. Where is a cheap rent in that place?” I wonder how surprised you are that nobody has answered you.
October 25th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
WHY ??
October 25th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
there really is no such thing as “good apartments” in this area. rent is high, wages low. i would suggest you rent from someone with a condo association or check out craigs list for some private listings ,,, also, listings on realtor.com. i’d be happy to help ya out if there is something you see that you want advice on the area ,,, retired cop, so i can assure you what areas you would need to avoid ,,, feel free to email: flg8r36@yahoo.com
October 28th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
I’m an aerospace engineer and moved to Sarasota from Phoenix. I walked into their shop with a Palm Pilot and was told by the owner that, “it’s WAYYY too geeky, take that home and get a pad and pencil like everyone else!”
There’s is no way to describe the general IQ of the entire state. My first observation of Sarasota was that we stepped back into 1972, I was not far off the mark.
October 30th, 2007 at 2:51 am
hi
going to school in largo florida in jan 2008.
i have seen nice aprtments on the net, but from the reviews, am not too sure about them anymore. is there anyone who could please advice on good apartments? ok, maybe good is not possible, how about practical? since most landlords ask their tenants to sign leases of about six months to 1 year, living in a horrible apartment could just be the worst nightmare of anyones life!
November 4th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Try Frisco?
December 21st, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Does anyone have any information on the Aspens Apartments in Bealeton, Va? I dont see them rated on this site yet. My hubby and I are moving from Texas to Va and need a nice yet somewhat inexpensive place to live. The rent looks good for this particular complex but I’d like more insider input on them. Last thing I want is to move somewhere and have to contact the BBB within a few months.
December 22nd, 2007 at 12:14 pm
do not move to any ware in fl. unless u like huracanes and tornado’s hi insurance hi crime rates hi fuel costs people that do not have insurance and run red lights all the time in winter the snow-birds come down that’s people from up north to escape the cold weather they do not know how to drive traffic jams everywhere lots of red lights everyone tries to rip you off from people to companies the smell of dead fish from red tide.check red tide reports in fl. when wind blows in it burns eyes and lungs.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
I am moving to Indianapolis, IN in January 08′. I found an apartment complex on-line that has received mixed reviews. The complex is named Buckingham/Balmoral. If anyone has information on this complex please share it with me.
January 6th, 2008 at 11:43 am
HUH?
January 6th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
This is by far, the BEST comment I have ever read on this web-site! Kuddos off to you!
Feelings Mutual
January 14th, 2008 at 5:38 am
Actually looking for an apartemnt in Zurich Switzerland i found this blog very useful:
zurich-apartment.deetee.de
January 15th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
avoid great mills avoid the greens
wildewood, spy glass, and abberly crest are the most popular
it will cost you. recommend making some friends and renting a house
January 15th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
If the pest control problem is a life threatening situation, then yes, the management company should let you know. The City should also have notices in the newspaper.
This does not fall on the responsibility of the management co. It’s good management who only want to keep present or future residents informed.
Open door policy to management is a must. Resident respect is paramount.
That is the “pulse” of our community here at The Dunes Apartments in Jacksonville, FL.
904-641-7089 Lower rents, higher resident standards.
IF YOU LIKE LOUD MUSIC, PARTIES, AND HAVE LOST ALL SENSE OF YOUR SOCIAL GRACES…. DO NOT RENT HERE.
I run a tight ship for my Resident’s needs and expectation.
and… I am a 4 generation Jacksonville native.
January 15th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
When renting, you have the responsibility of doing YOUR HOMEWORK before you sign a lease. Drive the property at night, maybe 2X a week, open the car windows and listen for noises, check out the vehicles to see if mgmt allows dead storage of autos. Look at the dumpster areas, littering, people hanging out in the breezeways, etc. MOST IMPORTANT… Does the Manager live on-site?
Most properties nowadays, do not have the manager live there. They come to work, get the paperwork and residents taken care of, then leave the property to never know what is going on in the most vunerable time.
Ask a resident, Go to the laundry room, you can usually find one there.
Call the zone station of your local police, and ask the crime reports and activity for that certain property. I called JSO, substation for my zip for a report of any calls from my Residents. As of that day, 12-15-07 my property had ZERO. Zero calls for 150 unit complex is unheard of. This goes to show the the respect value we all understand to maintain our quite and peaceful lifestyle. We will not settle for less.
We have the best neighborhood. We know each other, and as in the previous post from someone about transient living for apts, is incorrect. There are many good folks who do not want the pressure of a home who rent to call home.
This year alone, I renewed 3 leases for 22 years.
The Dunes Apartments
Jacksonville, FL
904-641-7089
January 16th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Hey Katie…do you mean CSUN (Cal State U in Northridge) or USC (U of Southern Cal) ? I lived in socal near LA for quite awhile but havent heard that particular abbreviation of CSULA. If u meant CSUN, Simi Valley is decent for the most part. I moved there when I was only 20 yrs old, completely on my own and never had any problems. Thousand Oaks is also decent. Simi is only 20-25 mins west of CSUN, and T.O. is about 30-35 mins. Check craigslist.org and search the los angeles section. Renting a room or finding a roommate to share apts with is pretty common in those areas. Unless you can find a decent studio but they can be hard to come by.
January 18th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
im looking for an apartment in bergen county nj and have found alot in the area but alot of them have no ratings on here. I need something under 1000 if no uilities incl(1 bedroom). does anyone have any suggestions?
January 21st, 2008 at 10:57 am
My workplace is right next to there. I would suggest not moving there. The only time I’ve ever been there by myself, some guy tried to “pick me up”. There are countless sex offenders living in the area, and it is in a very sketchy neighborhood.
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:37 am
I live in bealeton they seem nice never heard anyone complian. One word of cuation Bealton is quite a drive from where you may be working and there is quite a lot of traffic it takes me an hour and half to commute to vieanna each day.
January 26th, 2008 at 3:06 am
Looking for an inexpensive 1 bedroom in Lakeland, FL preferably not in downtown and preferably not a long drive to the west side of town since that is where I work. I was looking into carlton arms in north lakeland and manor house apartments in south lakeland, if anyone has anything to say about either of these two properties, I’d really like to hear it!
January 30th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I’m planning on moving to the Cedar Rapids, IA area from Northern IA and I was wondering if there are any great but not so expensive places that anyone knows about??
February 28th, 2008 at 10:47 am
i want to say thank you to everyone who posted here. i found each post helpful. my family and i have been home owners, or rented homes for the past 19 years, and now will be renting an apt for the first time. you all have enlightened and informed me what to look for. kudos to all of you. god bless.
March 2nd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Such a bad article - worthless.
March 14th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Hello All! I am currently living in Maryland, but am transfering with work and school to Jacksonville, NC. I’ve been looking mainly at Town Center because of the cheap rent, but if anyone else has a suggestion I would be thankful. Or if anyone has expeerience with the Town Center Apartments. Thanks-Kristen
March 22nd, 2008 at 12:09 am
These places are RIDICULOUSLY far from Chicago for a student! Lake Zurich…how boring! There are safe places that are closer and will be more appealing to someone in that age range. See the other posts for examples. Chicago is expensive, but not as expensive as many big cities. I moved to a suburb of Detroit from Chicago and I wish I never had. Chicago doesn’t know crime compared to Detroit! I disagree with this post 100%.
March 26th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Not a bad article at all. Terrible comment though.
April 26th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
No, this article kind of sucks. It sounds a lot more like a joke instead of taking apartment searching seriously.
April 26th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I agree - worthless article.
April 27th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Old tenants?
Not all apartment dwellers are college students. Older tenants are usually quieter tenants and to insinuate that they’re a liability as far as looking for good living conditions is completely asinine. Who wrote this piece, an 18 year old?
May 1st, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Why don’t you look up a place on this website?
May 8th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Sounds like and advertisement for apartmentratings.com….how they are the most reliable site. Number 10 if it’s not on apartmentratings.com forget about it. Though it did have some good tips, knowing because I’ve overlooked some of those things I wish I hadn’t.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Article is very helpful and has opened my eyes to very interesting things. Some of which I have noticed when I helped my sister go apartment hunting. Yes, it pays to watch out for creepy people … you know who you are … and for children being left alone in the pool. You want to enjoy yourself … not be responsible if Jr. or Tiffany slips and busts their head open. I’ve heard comments at other complexes, “Well, didn’t you see him/her fall? Didn’t you hear him/her crying? Why didn’t you help him/her? Because, Lady screaming at me, it’s NOT MY KID and I’m NOT RESPONSIBLE for him/her. Where were YOU when you’re kid needed YOU?” That and all the running and screaming does not make for a peaceful day to enjoy your free time. Stay far away from that scenario, believe me.
May 15th, 2008 at 9:27 am
this is stupid and unnecessary
May 26th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
i agree
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:42 am
Worthless Article, complete waste of my time.
June 4th, 2008 at 11:17 am
The “old tenants” reference seems to be ablout former tenants, not elderly ones.
June 5th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
What about asbestos, or lead paint warnings/waivers? Wouldn’t you say those are kind of important?
June 6th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Do you live in a hole? CSULA is California State University, Los Angeles, which is located right off of the 10! I lived in SoCal for 4 years while in college and even I knew what CSULA was not too long after I moved there!
June 7th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
agreed.
June 12th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Here’s a tip I would share with any apartment hunter: the drive-through. Sure you’re going to tour the place with landlords, but they are only going to show you what they want you to see. This tour will also take place during office hours, when many people are away. To get a better feel, you should drive through any complex at various times of the day. That way, you get a more true sense of the lay of the land. Are there questionable types hanging out all night? Are screaming children running around unsupervised? Some of these things can be seen ahead of time if you take the time to do your research. Driving through the apartment at different times of day is invaluable.
June 19th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
While I can honestly say that most of these are fairly common sense stuff that most intelligent people will already know, there is fairly little useless about a reminder even to the most obvious of items… with the exception of number ten of course; and yet the smart apartment hunter WILL make use of the internet for online reviews (when available) of the apartment that catches his or her eye, so #10 can still be a smart reminder (obscurely). Even the items listed exagurantly are still fair reminders on the subjects themselves.
Remember, what is garbage to one is gold to another. Show a little appreciation for the time spent on the article instead of complaining (to those who DID complain) that you got nothing out of it. MBH
June 19th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
To NS regarding scorpions; yes indeed, landlord/tenant laws can differ from state to state. You can find more information regarding your particular state at
azsos.gov/public_services/Publications/Residential_Landlord_Tenant_Act/ or
http://tinyurl.com/4ngec7
If you are interested in various other state’s landlord tenant laws, check out any of the following (all active as of 6/19/2008 :
http://www.thelpa.com/lpa/lllaw.html
http://www.rentlaw.com/statuerentlaw.htm
http://www.rentalprop.com/ltlaws.htm
http://real-estate-law.freeadvice.com/landlord_tenant/security_deposit_landlord_tenant_state_law.htm
http://consumerist.com/consumer/renting/landlord+tenant-law-for-every-state-329945.php
Good luck!
June 20th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
i agree too, if you don’t want kids around move to a locked gated antiseptic community
June 21st, 2008 at 6:27 pm
First of all, you need to get all tenant’s together and all of you should demand the management Company that they do something pronto. If they don’t you should all start calling the town building inspector and anyone else in authority. Put your rent into an escrow account until management takes care of the problem. You will see how fast they get it done when they are not receiving their rent. You have a right to live in a clean, decent safe place to live, free from any pests or vermin. There are state and federal laws against SLUM LORDS you just need to research them so you understand your rights and assert them. Contact an attorney (he/She) will hold the money in an escrow account. Good luck.
June 25th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
A neighbor of mine did this to check out his 18 year-old son’s prospective new apartment building. Although he may have appeared creepy in the parking lot at 10pm, he wanted to sit out there for a while after hours to see what kind of happenings might take place. Sure enough, he saw some suspicious characters coming and going frequently to one apartment in particular. At one point a heated argument broke out between a visitor and the supposed tenant, but thankfully it ended peacefully. Obviously, he discouraged his son from moving into the complex.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
the article is helful to a degree.i totally agree with the part about driving through the complex after hours to see what’s up??? in my partment complex you fon’t find people wandering about or hanging outside after 10:30pm…when anyone attempts to it doesn’t last very long.people complain.this place is very quiet 24/7–the way it should be!
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:23 am
just a quick note of advice:
NEVER (NEVER NEVER) intentionally withhold rent as leverage.
First of all, it doesn’t make a savvy landlord do anything but have grounds for your eviction, write-ups, etc.
Secondly, if you want to take legal action (or threaten it)- any attorney will tell you to pay your rent. You have to honor your side of a contract if you wish to take someone to task for violating a contract. You cannot sue (and therefore seriously threaten any sort of legal action) if you are also in violation of a legal contract.
THat being said, there are exceptions. If you are truly in a hardship situation and can show unfair or unsafe practices on the part of the landlord - there are steps to take.
But do not purposely withhold rent as a bargaining chip. It might work temporarily on some small individual landlord once - but likely only will bite you back
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:34 am
sorry i did not read the whole comment before replying.
Having an attny hold collective rent in escrow is entirely different than individual people trying to withhold rent as leverage for services. — So, my comment doesn’t apply to you.
Your advice was excellent.
Sorry
July 27th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I STRONGLY AGREE WITH THIS COMMENT! Its perfect advice. As an attorney to be (1 more year!) I can honestly tell you that withholding rent generally lead to LAWFUL eviction. The only one suffering at the end is you.
August 4th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
At my current apartment, any child under the age of 14 is not allowed in the pool area unsupervised. So far, I have not seen this violated. Besides, the manager’s office is right next to the pool and they keep a pretty good eye on things. I’m not sure what I would do if I were in that situation. My maternal instinct would probably kick in and then I would scream at the kids’ mother later.
August 4th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
I agree. It doesn’t sound serious enough for a serious matter.
August 7th, 2008 at 4:36 am
#10 is a load of crap.
First off, if you don’t live in a huge city most of the apartments are not going to be listed. I live in Boise and the very nice apartment complex I live in isn’t even listed (along with many apartments around the area.) There are also absolutely no apartments listed for my previous hometown pop. 60,000.
Secondly, if I heeded the advice of the reviews on apartmentratings.com, I would be homeless. Ratings are always lousy, because the majority of people that review are angry and want to vent (satisfied tenants are just less likely to go on a public forum to talk about it). These complainers always leave reviews that are ridiculous; like complaining about noise and management for being “rude” or “not friendly enough”. Come on it’s an apartment, of course it is going to be noisy. And so what if management is “rude,” they AREN’T your friends. Grow a back bone and deal with it! Just because the manager isn’t cheery-miss-sunshine when you complain to them doesn’t mean the apartment is any worse; I’d be pissy too if people kept bugging me all the time.
August 7th, 2008 at 4:51 am
Completely agree, I think it is useless to base your apartment decision off of sites like these because the reviews are skewed (by management, and by disgruntled tenants). It is a wiser decision to thoroughly check out the exact apartment you would be renting, talking with management, along with other staff, and going to your potential neighbors and asking them a few questions about their satisfaction with the place.
August 7th, 2008 at 4:56 am
LOL! This is so true. If we listened to these reviews we’d all be homeless.
August 11th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I think the need to have all apartments rated by apartmentratings.com is motivated by a desire by the apartmentratings.com to have more business.
On the other hand, the eggagerated claims about growing a backbone and putting up with rude management that is tired of having people complain, takes away credibility from the previous comment.
August 11th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
NICELY SAID! I had to do a lot of weeding through the negative (stupid) comments before I settled on an apartment, and used my own brain.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
This article IS a waste of time. Cut the humor and get to the point. It could be an invaluable article if the author was serious about the content.
August 19th, 2008 at 1:24 am
Yeah ok buddy, that’s the point you shouldn’t have to bug a person who is there to do a leasing agents job & listen to complainers!! It’s their job!! Like fix a ceiling in a bathroom that leaked for 6 months that I had to put a complaint to the city about. Mighty funny it was fixed the same week they were issued a code violation ticket!! HA!! HATORZ!!
HOLLA!
August 24th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I wish I knew about this site prior to apartment hunting. The parking for an apartment I rented was a mess and I was there on a monday morning. The warning signs were there but as an ex home owner nobody ever thinks about having problems parking at your home, trust me it does become a problem when you come home from a hard days work and have no where to park.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Oh good lord all you apartment hunting pros don’t you have anything better to? You think you can do a better job, then do it, start a better blog, and quit your b1chen.
Watch out for apartments that don’t have a manager on site. When the cat’s away the mice can be real a$$holes and make a nice place to live a real pain. Definitely talk to a few tenants to get a realistic scoop of the place.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:00 am
HOUSTONIAN ……….Fantastic article, parking in any Houston complex is a nightmare. I wish I had known that before I moved to this place with unassigned parking. It pisses me off that you can pay for pets and let them run wild (cats), yet one can’t pay for a fricken parking space..
August 28th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I’ve been trying 2 find an apt. in MD (PG Cnty). Even though a lot of the comments here are based on personalities (management people’s attitudes, etc.), I can overlook those. The things I look for (as a single woman) are safety, cleanliness (rodents and insects are NOT acceptable), parking (drive 2 work everyday), and that maintenance staff is available when needed. One of the residents mentioned staff entering apts. and stealing property when the renter wasn’t at home–that scared me, and I was thankful 4 that input.
I’ll visit the ones that don’t sound SO bad and ask questions of the rental reps while touring the property. I did visit one and asked someone who was in the process of moving in w/her small child; she gave it a thumbs-up and I plan to scope the place at night before fully committing.
It’s all a matter of taking any comment here w/a grain of salt. U’re susceptible 2 all types of people, which can be a good thing sometimes.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
This article is a useless joke. Smart tenants wouldn’t even consider a place like that to begin with.
How about something really useful, like “Watch out for automated air fresheners, as this is usually a key indicator of a mold/mildew problem” ?!
Get real, or don’t bother.
August 31st, 2008 at 6:25 pm
I absolutely agree with this person. This article is CRAP. Thanks for helping.
September 6th, 2008 at 11:30 am
No. They meant people older than your average college student.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
You have to understand that there are alot of people out there that are really as clueless as this article makes people sound! LOL Seriously, you’re smarter than you think. This article obviously was not meant for you or most of us. This website helped me out alot. Happy Hunting!
September 12th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Well I wouldn’t want to deal with a pissy manager. I mean your living in this place, paying all your hard earned cash..and if some lady or man is going to get pissy with me i dont think i’d live there. Its called customer service buddy..that their J O B ..D*ck much.Grow Up!
September 15th, 2008 at 4:03 am
I don’t think this article is useless. It includes things many people wouldn’t think of if they are a first time renter or are too trusting.
September 19th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Don’t forget to ask if the apartments accept government assistance (section 8 housing). You don’t want to live next door to people who don’t care about the place since they’re not paying for it. Higher crime rates, etc.
September 21st, 2008 at 9:57 pm
PGC…
be careful. its rough.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I read that same review. That really bothers me too. Is it common practice in most apartment communities to have maintenence people coming in when you are not home to do routine maintenence checks? I don’t want anyone entering my home when I am not home.
I’m looking for an apartment in Essex that’s not overly trashy or dangerous (I know, I know.. Don’t look in Essex. I don’t have much of a choice on that one..) The place I looked at today seemed great, but the few reviews I found online were terrible. It makes it even harder to decide when you can’t get feedback from satisfied residents.
October 6th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Then what ARE the lawful steps to take to get your management to honor the lease and fix problems? Isn’t it true that if you do continue to pay rent, a judge in small claims court or arbitration can determine that you continued to pay rent instead of moving so you must have been satisfied enough (legally) with the place?
October 9th, 2008 at 11:37 am
If I could find one, I would in a heartbeat! I would rather live in a peaceful quiet community then one filled with loud bratty unwanted kids.
I miss the days of the “Adults Only” apartment communities.
October 9th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
You may want to educate yourself on the various types of housing assistance. I am a leasing consultant, and just because a resident receives rental assistance from section 8, does NOT mean that they do not pay rent. Many of those folks are seniors who are on a fixed income, and they are some of my favorite and very best residents. Often times their assistance is a very minimal amount.
Take Care.
October 11th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
This is a stupid comment; people who need assistance are not inherently criminals. They are people who work hard and need to pay their bills, just like you.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Heck for that matter houses are overly abundant in the area. You could always go that route.
October 16th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I have to agree with the Section 8 comment. I lived in this one apartment complex for years. I always felt safe, the neighbors were friendly and if they had a problem or something, they would kindly tell you. Down the road, management started allowing Section 8 people in. More than half didn’t work. They let their kids roam about and the kids were noisy and disrespectful. At the time I had two dogs. The new Section 8 tenet that moved in below me said that my dogs were too noisy for her (never had this complaint before and I thougt it was ironic given her kids were noisy as hell) one day my dogs were running about, frolicking as they always did and the next thing I know hear someone beating on my door. It scared the crap out of me because I thought someone was breaking in. I looked out the peep hole and she was bashing my door with a hammer. At that point, I knew it was time to go. I’m sorry but far too many Section 8 people have a particular mentallity that I can’t gel with. Sure, the elderly people may be okay but more often than not, Section 8 people are young ghetto mothers who resort to violence as a means of communication. I was able to break my lease because of this but my manager would not refund the deposit. This of course made me mad but I was glad to get out because I felt my safety was at stake.
From a single educated black woman.
October 20th, 2008 at 10:07 am
i have to dissagree on the section 8 issue. not all people on section 8 are “young ghetto mothers who resort to violence as a means of communication.” who dont watch their kids. i am 18 years old and have a 2year old son i am a very good mother and i am on section 8, thats because i made stupid choices when i was younger and now i am trying to work, and go to school to support me and my son. i am on section 8 because its hard for a single teenage mother to work, parent and go to school. but my son is well takin care of, im hard working, responsible and respectful. and farrrr from “ghetto” you people need to stop with the stareo-types seriously, get to know someone before you judge them on how they pay their rent.
October 20th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Uh, not all the time sweetie!
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I don’t agree. Section 8 holders are not responsible for the property because it is free. Many feel that they are superior due to the fact that landlords have so many rules to live up to just to insure that teh Section 8 tenants are happy. Many do not work and do not have good houskeeping skills. The landlords prefer to have Section 8 voucher holders in order that rent is received from Government It is crazy that a single woman that works hard everyday but does not have good credit cannot qualify for safe communities, but relocated CHA residents have the opportunity to live whereever they please and have not paid any money into the system and does not understand the of living in better housing, safer communities. This is a braod but genralized statement.Credit problems are generally not an issue because many have never had credit. I think the laws need to be changed.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I understand completely that there are some mothers out looking to live on the governments dime but I am a single mother of two who receives housing assistance. I am working two jobs and just finished training classes in school, I too am an honest, harworking person and a good mother. I am looking for a place that isn’t rundown and trashy that is willing to take section 8 without the assumption that they need not worry about taking care of my apartment repairs or other problems just because I’m not paying all of the rent. They are getting their money and I am diligently trying to become self-sufficient without dealing with stereotypical assholes that are making it harder…
October 29th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
There are still apartments out there that do not allow children. Of course, you may have to be of a certain age - 55, sometimes, or 62 - or be disabled and recieving Social Security to get into many Adult Only communities, but if you take the time to hunt them down, such places do exist. Nevertheless, even in an adult community you can have loud neighbors or careless neighbors, or neighbors whose doorway reeks of strange awful smells.
If children annoy you, it is far better to take the time to find places where there are none. You are looking for your home, your place of refuge, for the length of your next lease.
Happy hunting!
October 29th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
At my last apartment, I lived poolside. Management and maintenance offices and the laundry room were at the end of a 10 foot pool patio, kitty-corner to me. Children under age were required to be supervised by a responsible adult, but on Sunday, when the offices were closed, young people would climb to the top of the fence and up to the top of that building and dive into the pool - against the rules, against all common sense.
Once I mentioned it to one of the young folk,a young person about 10 years old, but his supervising adult, his father, was on the roof with him. I was chastised for scolding the boy. What do you do?
Another time, after that, I simply called 911 and told them there were accidents climbing up on the roof waiting to happen. Officers came out, spoke to the folks on the roof and left (What could they do? Sit there all day policing the pool?) and as soon as they left, people were back on the roof. Again - what can you do?
My solution was to put the largest of my houseplants on the outside of my own patio, so when I looked out I was looking into a jungle, not into the pool. As an added bonus, passers-by could not see into my living room through the sliding doors. I was there 4 years, and now I know I really don’t want to be THAT close to a pool ever again.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Regarding #10 - It is called a ’slant’ and if it were in a private blog somewhere, it could be called prejudicial. But if I got a writing assignment for such an article from apartmentratings.com, and they were going to fork over a paycheck for it, or even just get me into print, you can be sure I would add a #10 to the article!
November 4th, 2008 at 3:05 am
There is good and bad in any “group” of people, and from your comment Im more than sure your not short of cash - ever!
I am surrounded by Section 8. Seeing a kid not much bigger than the riffle he’s running with - chasing a bigger kid. Around 10 pm.
OR, maybe the shots that get fired off - calling the police is not the best idea ‘cos it doesnt take much to be found when the police come to your door to talk to you. Around midnight. (Section 8 teens)
OR, maybe when you get rocks, and I do mean rocks, thrown at your almost new car, or a rock comes flying thru your window, or human faeces is plastered on that window. Done through out the day and night by a 2 year old with the drunk/high mother looking on. (Section
Should I keep going .. NO.
There doesnt need to be more police, there needs to be parents taking responsibility for the kids!!!!
November 11th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
nicely said. I know people on Section 8 and some are good people trying to get back on their feet. They do pay a portion of their rent and depending on the size of housing and income, the tenants rent will vary. They also have their houses inspected and if they do not pass, they lose their voucher.
I know someone who pays $250 for a 5 bedroom house adn she has four children. Unfortuantely she has been on and off of assistance for over ten years. Her house is a mess. I knew someone else that paid $75 a month for a two bedroom house and they paid that mocuh because they were genuinely unable to work a normal job. The house was pretty darn clean and maintained. The landlord was the disgusting one.
Some people take advantage of the assistance others don’t. I have always tried to work but needed the assitance at the time and I was happy for it. Section 8 tenants are not all bad people. You should screen them like you screen your apartment.
November 11th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
This article is for mor-rons…seriously, who wouldn’t run away from a complex that fit any of the scenarios listed?
And implying that “Rusty with the skull & crossbones tattoo” is a shady character is just ignorant.
November 11th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
I’m guessing you’ve never lived/been around section 8 housing.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Those who point are usually guilty.
Okay here are my tips: Learn that just because the lease is written doesnt mean you cant have concessions made. Learn to ask questions if you don’t understand the terms. Its a contract folks! You have some bargaining power! Even the right to legal advise if you dont understand something in the lease. 9 out of 10 times just because its written doesnt make it legal under the tenant/landlord regulations of the state and county.
Second: Question the management- ask for perteninet data, such as average response time. How they resolve tenant issues. Any recent building damage- floods, fire…etc. Ask to see their rental license. Ask if they know the building codes and when they were last inspected.
Third: RUN! Do not walk if they tell you that YOU MUST include them as a Company of Interest on you renters policy! They just want to be a rider on your plan that YOU pay for and then make claims since they are included. This jacks up your policy rate and allows them to make repairs scot free! They are to have their own insurance for building repairs and claims. NOT YOU. They also hide under your policy ( which creates a legal conflict of interest ) if a liability suit is presented.
Fourth-Get the actual owner address and phone number in case things cannot be resolved at the local level. If they wont give you that then dont give them your info! Tell em- Tit for tat.
FIfth- Never sign an application that gives them free reign to tap into your checking account or credit report at will. They get a one time chance for background check and reference.
Six: Stay away from places that PRE determine in a contract that you are forced to use their oil company since the furnance is repaired under a maint. contract. 99% of the time you have the right to pay fair price not jacked up price in times of market upheavel. You have the right of choice for energy efficiency and fair pricing on utilities.
November 13th, 2008 at 8:59 am
thats wrong, get ready to be sued.
November 25th, 2008 at 4:53 am
Okay. I just moved from Laurel park apartment is Laurel(pG MD) and i would have to say NEVER rent from them. If rodents, roaches, parking is your issue you may run to runand fast away from this place. I will put a full explaination on the laurel park ratings page but F.Y.I: Dont do it!
December 6th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I am glad you posted your comment ‘cuz
hopefully it does let peeps know that not every Sect. 8 is a problem waiting to happen. I’ve been lucky-til about now-I bought a home when I was 22 - I had a good job and good Grandma ! My husb. and I tore the 682 sqft down and over the yrs built a beautiful 1900SF home. But, as most people know..”Shit Happens”.
My husb., our son, and I lived there for 18+ yrs. Then my husb. got into crack.
Ultimatelty, we lost our hm that sold 4 $300,000+-we paid $35,000 In 1987. Guess my point is that I am prob going to have 2 apply 4 some sort of assistance very soon. My husb. is very abusive phys/emotionally, but haven’t really had any options-or so I thought.
Please Don’t Judge till you know a person.
Thank you. Marie K.
January 1st, 2009 at 11:23 pm
this article might be useless for seasoned renters but this is my very first time renting and unfortunately i already moved in and didnt ask 1/2 these questions. boy do i feel dumb.
additionally, come on people. dont mistake undertones of satire but stating the obvious for “pointlessness” it was the authors way of making u chuckle. did we all lose our sense of humor all of a sudden?
January 16th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I have to agree with you. My mother was on disability and we were forced to move in a govt assistance building (projects). Not all of the people were bad but on many occasions, the hallway reeked of piss, there were blunt wrappings all over the stairs and kids were loud, ghetto and running all over the place.
I was glad when I left for college and never looked back. The place was gross and no matter how many times management cleaned the hallways, it was a mess again in less than a week. A good apt complex relies mostly on the tenants taking basic care of the place where they live. I understand things break down but when someone spills things and makes a mess in the halls it brings the whole place down.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Good advice ! Codes & Complience, City safety people, police and there is usually one TV station in most areas that will tell the public & government locals and get some attention focused on your problem. For young, or inexperienced renters…..remember there are tenant/landlord LAWS that say you are entitled to ….”the quiet enjoyment of the premises” and more! If you think you cannot afford a lawyer, think again! Go to the yellow pages and look at the listings….find several who specialize in tenant/landlord issues. When you have your FREE initial meeting with the lawyer, ask them to charge their fee to the landlord or company who you are having the problem(s) with.
After all, you are the injured party. Try to document all of your concerns on paper. Make a copy for the lawyer, the court and be sure to keep it for yourself. You do NOT have to be a victim!And finally, READ the lease before you sign it. Have a lawyer look at it, ask around about the apartments! Visit the area at least three times….at different times and on weekends. Talk to the mailman if he is around!
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:28 pm
They still have ‘adults only’ apartment communities; but they are called Retirement Villages. Learn to appreciate life at all ages - before you wake to realize you are as decrepit as your thought processes.
January 25th, 2009 at 10:48 am
The last little bit about not seeing it listed on this website- Seems to me that all this place is is a bitch and groan forum, so if a complex isn’t listed-no one’s had any real complaints about it, right?
January 25th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Great,now my hard earned tax dollars are helping to support a sorry teenager who couldn’t keep their legs closed and their books open!Then you have the audacity to say that you are a good mother,student,and a hard worker as if you deserve an award for doing these things.Guess what? These are things you are “suppose to” do in the first place. I decided to keep my legs closed and practice safe sex when I did begin sexual activity,I work my behind off so I can maintain a certain lifestyle and I’m not getting a pat on the back or $20 rent but my hard earned money is paying for sorry people to stay sorry:-(
January 25th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Hooray!!! My hard earned tax dollars are helping a crackhead,his wife and child.You screwed up and now I have to pay and you have the audacity to say don’t judge.Are you kidding me? “Shit Happens”? No, rain just happens, a stroke, just happens. A crack head doesn’t just happen,that is the path he chose and you are accompaning him on this pathetic journey. Ha!!! No other options my ass but I see you don’t have a problem opting to seek welfare.
January 27th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Not everyone is so insecure as to desire to live around people “like themselves.” I enjoy living in the city I do because of the diversity of respectful individuals I am acquainted with. People who only like people with “like-minds” maybe don’t have the courage to be themselves and need to find security within.
In terms of finding your place in a respectful, honest community- that is very important. Unless you are up to shady business yourself or wish to pretend you can avoid the community you live in. I
I’ve lived in two very different neighborhoods where the majority of people living there spoke english as their second language, yet both neighborhoods were upstanding and respectable (not well off) and neighbors respected and looked out for one another.
Community and neighbors are very important. If you are renting, one of the most important factors can be apt. management. In my neighborhood, property management companies are very bad and don’t care about tenants at all (only collecting rent and avoiding city fines) or even maintaining the property.
If you write a review about a negative apt situation, it is very helpful if you explain why your Landlord was bad. Example: “I had to ask him 5 times to change the light bulb on the main complex entrance. The walkway had no lighting for almost three months. I finally borrowed a ladder and did it myself. Also, I found out the manager never changed the lock on my unit when I moved in. I requested he change it and it is required housing law in my area, but the lock was not changed. On more than one occasion management came into my unit without notice or leaving a sign that they had been in to “inspect” This made me feel very uncomfortable and is also against Landlord-Tenant law.” You can still add your opinion but adding facts is very helpful instead of ONLY saying Management is terrible.
I feel management can be a
March 15th, 2009 at 6:10 am
drive around at night and day before moving in..if people are hanging out at nights on the property it’s definitely a no no..if i hear boomcars driving through the parking lot?? a no no..predominantly minority? a no no. the apartments themselves? people using bed sheets or covers for curtains?? a no no. dumpsters full,overflowing and garbage around the bottom of the dumpster? a no no. it’s not hard to find a nice quiet place. i found a complex that’s quiet 24/7-no boomcars driving around as a general rule.. i’m white and the community is predominantly white(about 10%-15% otherwise and remains that way).if anyone after 10pm boosts their noise(hanging outside,loud music,talkingpartying,etc)enough people complain that the cops show up and the management hears about it and in turn they send a notice (reminding them of “quiet time” between 10pm and 8am,)to the residents that are to blame. it took some time to search for the perfect place.but scoping places out ahead of time can tell you alot/.
April 1st, 2009 at 1:39 am
Some good points by deenis… but also CHECK the apartment complex out on a FRIDAY/SATURDAY NIGHT if possible. Almost moved into a plex once, but by chance went by late on a FRIDAY evening… there were people hanging about, thumpity music, drinking; this was not a Holiday weekend. Ugh. It was nice and quiet when we visited before, during the day. BEWARE.
April 14th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
DEENIS HAD SOME GOOD POINTS UNTIL HE WROTE “PREDOMINANTLY MINORITY? A NO NO”. AS I CONTINUED TO READ I WAS HOPING AGAINST HOPE THAT HE/SHE WASN’T WHITE.
ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT YOU ARE A DISGUSTING, SAD, AND IGNORANT WHITE INDIVIDUAL. LET ME INFORM YOU, WHITE PERSON, THAT YOU ARE IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM BETTER THAN ANY OTHER PERSON…MINORITY OR ELSE.
May 2nd, 2009 at 9:40 am
ITS FUNNY THAT DEENIS SAID WHAT HE/SHE SAID BECAUSE I AM WHITE AND LIVE IN A PERDOMINANTLY WHITE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THERE ARE MORE WHITE PEOPLE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD WITH LOUD MUSIC AND POLICE ARE OVER HERE ALL THE TIME. THE PERDOMINATLY BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD DOWN THE STREET RARELY HAS POLICE IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD. IM BOUT TO MOVE OVER THERE!! AND JUST THREE NIGHTS AGO, THERE WAS A DRUG BUST IN THE BUILDING NEXT DOOR AND THAT COUPLE WAS WHITE AND MIDDLE AGED. SO DO NOT FOR A SECOND THINK THAT CAUSE THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS MOSTLY WHITE, THAT IT IS BETTER BECAUSE THAT IS NOT TRUE AND ITS A STEREOTYPE AND RACIST…DEENIS!!
DEENIS JUST MAKES US WHITE PEOPLE LOOK BAD! I HATE WHEN WHITE PEOPLE ACT LIKE THEY ARE BETTER!! I WISH I WASN’T WHITE BECAUSE WHTE PEOPLE LIKE DEENIS. BUT I GUESS IM WHITE FOR A REASON. GOD DON’T MAKE MISTAKES.
GET JESUS!!
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:34 am
I can understand having laws in place to protect minorities from discrimination (although they rarely, if ever protect gay and lesbian renters although thats another topic). However, I would like to be able to ask about ages and “types” of residents. In other words, are there mostly familys with children? Maybe I would like to sit on my front porch without being asked if I have candy, or not have to listen to screaming and yelling every day after 2 pm. Or maybe I enjoy the occasional party and don’t want to be the young whippersnapper that disturbs the peace. Or maybe I am a quiet person who likes privacy and doesn’t want to live somewhere that has large groups of people in and out at all hours.
Personally, I am the first type. I dont mind a few children around, but every experience I have had with family renters has been unpleasant. Parents are quick to complain about your noise (and we aren’t talking parties in my case), but feel you should put up with screaming, stomping, and singing toys because “kids will be kids”. I’ve put up with my things being taken off my porch, then found them in the lawn or driveway. I’ve found all manner of toys and spilled cereal/milk on my patio. And two children can quickly morph into 7 or 8 on the weekend with Janet and Bobby’s play dates.
I find it amusing that so many people on these types of sites suggest that single people like myself should “rent a house”, if we don’t want to be surrounded by children, when in reality apartments are really best suited for people in my situation. And renting a house with more space and typically a yard is best suited for families where kids CAN be kids.