Presidio at South Mountain

Presidio at South Mountain is recommended by:
25.0%
Overall Rating
2.24 out 5
Parking:
2.18 of 5
Maintenance:
2.60 of 5
Construction: 2.46 of 5
Noise:
2.68 of 5
Grounds: 2.67 of 5
Safety: 2.44 of 5
Office Staff:
2.25 of 5

13229 South 48th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85044
480-496-0060
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Review by Manager

From: presidio@watertonpm.com
Date posted: 2/21/2007
Years at this apartment: 2007 - 2007
User Response is available. 15 responses

 
My name is ------- and I have been the Manager here at Presidio since August of 2006. I could very easily refute the numerous reviews about us and infact as I read these I know the home and person(s) writing the summaries including the circumstance surrounding
their negativity. I see no need to air their laundry.

I represent 842 homes, we are an older community with beautiful trees and grassy courtyards that most can't offer. We offer floorplans that cannot match the newer communities such as wall space, large closets and variety (12 to choose from). Yes our appliances are older we replace as needed, yes our parking is a bit tight in areas, rarely do we have a complaint for lack of parking. Lighting is an ongoing issue at any community, particularly this size community, we continue to work on it.

We are located in the heart of Ahwatukee and near everything Ahwatukee represents from it's great shopping and dining to it's central location within the city. Did I mention we are adjacent to a small city park that offers a water park, barbecue areas a walking path, and two playgrounds'

We are owned and operated under Waterton Residential a nationwide company very customer service oriented. Our company prides themselves in setting trends that prove to be an assett to the resident such as full on line services allowing you to post maintenance requests and payments. We have an online message center that is viewed by our Corporate office whether it be positive or negative. Our e-mail addresses are posted on the website allowing the resident the ability to communicate at any given time. They quite often will purchase older communities and invest time and money in vast improvements to offer a comfortable lifestyle and a place to call home and still shy away from the exorbidant rents.

Presidio at South Mountain is currently invovled in a sizeable rehab project lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 years, both interior and exterior. I could go on as to what we are doing however it is quite lengthy. I can promise some of the things we are looking forward to doing such as our our Lap Pool and Clubhouse are really exciting. Our Fitness Center is newly renovated and almost complete and perhaps the nicest I have seen.

Yes the residents have seen us through alot of changes and have been patient as we hop balconies and cover cars that have not moved while doing repairs and paint. We have electricians working their way through the community as they assess issues and repair, unfortunately because of our size it takes time. Their patience and support throughout is greatly appreciated. I have alot of great residents here. Because it is so hard to know all of them and we are truly grateful we ended the year with Holiday functions and are looking forward to continuing them among other things we will be doing in the future. We are also open for business until 7:00 pm 4 nights a week for resident concerns.

We participate in P.O.P.S., a program involving the Phoenix Police Department. We have the luxury and benefit of working closely with the Police Department enabling us to crack down on possible crime within the community through the assistance of a very proactive Police Officer. This has benefited us with daytime bicycle patrol, evening patrols, extremely quick response times and visits to see how things are going. This has aided us tremendously and a program that we will keep in place as it acts as a great deterrent.

We offer weekly pest control free of charge to the residents,air filters, vanity light bulbs etc. We offer maintenance walks upon renewal. Should someone need blinds replaced from weather damage, faucets, a general condition check along with a variety of services that cannot be matched.

I can only ask that you keep an open mind and come see what we are about before judging us based on an article that may well have been written by a disgruntled resident.

I have an open door policy for not only my staff but residents and those seeking a home. My staff is terrific and very helpful. Because they live here are probably more sympathetic than one would realize in fact empathetic at times as well.

Please take a moment and see what you might be missing. Check out our website or give us a call we will be doing open houses in the month of March a perfect time to see for yourselves.

Respectfully,

-------
Comm Manager
Presidio at South Mountain
presidiopm@watertonpm.com

Recommended: YES
Overall Rating
3 out of 5
Parking:
3 of 5
Maintenance:
3 of 5
Construction: 3 of 5
Noise:
3 of 5
Grounds: 3 of 5
Safety: 3 of 5
Office Staff:
3 of 5
I'm the author!
Lived here?


User Responses

From: phxrenter07 Date: 02/23/2007
-------, Wow, your comment about knowing the identity of the person(s) writing the reviews almost sounded like a threat. Kind of like "Watch your step. I know where you live." Granted some of these posts may have been written by disgruntled renters with issues unrelated to their posts. However, most of the issues listed here are very legitimate. I appreciate that Waterton is working to improve the property, but I believe you should have addressed the safety-related issues before making cosmetic improvements. The exercise room and new exterior paint are nice, but you glossed over the lighting problems as if they are not as serious as they really are. The truth is that having entire buildings completely dark (as far as the exterior lighting) for weeks at a time is a HUGE safety concern, and your consistent response of "we're working on it" is simply not enough. The lighting is barely adequate when everything is working properly, and with much of the lighting out at any given time, I often feel nervous about leaving my apartment at night to go for a walk or even to walk to the dumpster. Fixing the lighting problem should be your number one priority right now, but it seems that you're more interested in improving the areas that might catch the eye of potential renters. After all, they're not likely to visit the property after dark, so they won't realize how bad the lighting is until after they sign the lease. Potential renters should also be aware that there is no grace period for paying rent ($60 late fee if paid on the 2nd of the month) and you will also be required to give 60 days notice when vacating your unit. Who ever heard of a 60 day notice requirement??? This is definitely not the renter-friendly place described by ------- above.
From: PhxResident Date: 02/24/2007
It's really frustrating how apartment complex managers like you ------- keep your heads in the sand and blame the unhappy tenants for your problems rather than take responsibility yourselves. As a consequence, the unhappy tenants move out and the irresponsible tenants become the norm.
From: lksjdfljsflkj Date: 03/01/2007
Why doesn't anyone document and submit this information to Corporate Headquarters? I am sure they would like to know how the property is being mismanaged and tenants are disgusted with their living conditions. I agree that -------'s comment about knowing who was doing the writing sounded threatening. I would advise anyone moving to Ahwatukee to avoid the Presidio like the plague, as apparently problems are allowed to fester and conditions are an accident waiting to happen.
From: Anonymous Date: 03/21/2007
I have lived here for a while and the only reason I'm still here is my lease isn't up. I have had many scorpion problem I was advised if it continues we will move you that never happen. It was same story nothing more we can do there is no spray or anything to kill them. Its great living on the 2nd floor with scorpions and afraid what could be running around your apartment. I agree potential renters should also be aware that there is no grace period for paying rent ($60 late fee if paid on the 2nd of the month) and you will also be required to give 60 days notice when vacating your unit. Who ever heard of a 60 day notice requirement? This is definitely not the renter-friendly place described by ------- above. Take it from someone who has lived there a few years. Its not so great.
From: Anonymous Date: 03/21/2007
This is a review from the leasing staff. If you have issues with your apartment or concerns with safety, lighting, service requests, pools, landscaping or staff members, then please bring it to our attention. We are 7 days a week for your convenience and would be more than happy to sit down with each one of you to address your concerns. When you post an annonomous rating and vent to this web site we can't help you. Please understand that we are the 2nd largest community in Arizona. We have roughly 3,000 people that reside here and the property is over 25 years old so it is going to have some issues as with anything that is that old. It is our goal to provide outstanding service to each and every one of you. Please stop by the office to talk with us. We truly want you to be happy and enjoy living here. If there is anything we can do to make your stay a pleasant one, please let us know. One last note, everyone of our staff members lives on site at Presidio, and some with children. We would not live here if it was a bad place.I have also seen some reviews were people think we are accepting housing vouchers. Just so everyone is aware,we DO NOT participate in the section 8 program. Again, please give us a call if you ever have any questions or concerns (480)496-0060 or stop by the office. Thank you :)
From: Anonymous Date: 03/27/2007
This complex loves to avoid responsibility; they love to make everything the tenants fault. If this is the case for you, contact http://aztenants.com/

They are an Arizona renters advocacy group that can help you fight shady management companies like Waterton.

The cost of their services are a fraction of one month's rent at this dump. By the way. I don't work for the advocacy, I am just a content and well serviced customer! Good riddance -------; to you and your inadequate, excuse making staff.
From: Anonymous Date: 04/01/2007
To the 44-year-old business owner who's so well off but still has to live in a crappy apartment:

Since you've only lived here since February, you really don't know any better, do you? I've lived here for over 4 years, so I know what it was like before the current management company took over. Back then there was a 30-day notice to vacate, a fair early termination clause and 3-day grace period for rent. Did I ever need to utilize any of those perks? No, but it was nice to know they were there if I needed them, and it was a good gesture of goodwill from management. When the property was sold, the current management promptly took away those perks. Of course it's their right to have all the non-resident-friendly policies they can legally get away with, but it certainly has changed my opinion of them and makes me less patient with them whenever they're slow to fix a problem on their part. I've reluntantly chosen to renew once even with the 60-day notice clause because it wasn't convenient to move at that time. However, given all the problems that have occurred or gotten worse since my last renewal (wiring problems, lighting problems, pool gate problems, ongoing parking problems, ever-present dog poop on the grass), I have a feeling I won't be making the same decision next time.
From: Anonymous Date: 04/01/2007
I’m a 44 year-old business owner who has recently moved into Presidio in February and has had a great experience so far. The staff and management there have treated me very nicely and followed up with me on several occasions to make sure my move-in went smoothly. The building I'm in is very quiet and the neighbors are pleasant. I've ridden my bike around the complex on occasions and have found the environment to be very peaceful, safe, and clean. And every time I’ve gone into the office, the staff has greeted me cordially and has treated me like a friend.

Now I want to address the complainers here who use this forum to kick and scream like little children. I was amazed when I came across this forum and read these complaints. I come from the south and was born and raised on a Texas farm. When we faced adversity we dealt with it without complaining. The younger generation of today whines too much and feels that government and society owes them something. Well, they don’t. And I’ve got a few words for those of you that need to grow up:

@ phxrenter07…why are you complaining about the 60-day notice? Didn’t you read your contract before you signed it? And why do you need a grace period to pay rent? Can’t you remember when the first of the month is? I personally pay my rent in advance. Maybe you should try that.

@ phxresident…the management is not your babysitter. If you’ve got a problem, be a man and call them up. But stop using a forum to vent your frustrations and expect something to get done with this type of attitude.

@ lksjdfljsflkj…why don’t you contact HQ yourself if you’ve got a problem? Besides, this forum is public and HQ can read this at anytime.

@ Anonymous#1…have you ever considered hiring an exterminator yourself? I had problems once with scorpions at my home and the exterminator made them go bye-bye. And if you’re so frustrated, why have you lived here for “several years?” Stop complaining and just leave.

@ Anonymous#3…if you’re trying to scare off new residents, it didn’t work for me. I don’t take advice from whiners. And yes, the management does do background checks because they did one on me. But how did you get past the check?

@ Anonymous#3…I’ll bet you were never spanked as a child. Pathetic!

I grew up poor and have worked hard to get to where I am. I put myself through college and started my own business without any help from the government or banks. That’s because I don’t spend time whining and complaining about how bad things are. Maybe if some of you put the same time and energy you use to complain into trying to make things better for yourselves, then you might have a better experience in life. And for those of you who’ve had bad experiences with your Presidio neighbors or with the staff, I suggest you grow up and stop whining. Presidio is a large apartment complex with 842 units. The staff is not your mommy or your babysitter. Grow up and deal with the problems yourself, or at least address the staff in a nicely manner and maybe you’re get a better response from them. And one more thing…maybe if some of you would go into the office to just say hi once in a while, rather than to complain about some minor issue, then you might have a better living experience at Presidio. If the only time the staff ever sees you is when you have a complaint, has it ever dawned on you that you might not be the first in the queue when it comes time to getting your problem fixed? Have a great day!

PS – -------, I think you all are doing a great job!

- A Happy and Non-Complaining Resident

From: Anonymous Date: 04/04/2007
hey 44 yr old business person, you obviously work in the office here at presidio and can't handle the truth about your complex, we have a right to voice our opinion so maybe YOU should stop whining and fix the problems of your residents instead of putting us down!!! Just becuase i am concerned for my childrens safety does not mean i wasn't spanked as a child, it means im a good parent, get a life and own up to your lack of management!!
From: Anonymous Date: 04/11/2007
To the 44-year-old business owner, three words: go to hell.
From: Anonymous Date: 04/11/2007
Hey 44 year old business man well since you have been so successful.
What are you doing at a place like Presidio?
I would think at 44 and being successful you would have done more and maybe had a home of your own.
I can't agree with the things you have said and I'm sure many of the people would have moved if there lease was up.
From: Anonymous Date: 04/13/2007
To 44 Year Old Business Man-

YOU ARE A TOTAL LOSER! You should have already been in a home by now, not a run-down apartment complex. I am thinking you have bad credit and have no other place to go!
From: Anonymous Date: 06/25/2007
After reading all these threads on Presidio, I can see nothing has really changed since I left in 2003. Bad lighting, crime, garbage, loud noise. Same crap that I reported TO MANAGEMENT over and over back then and looks like same responses...zilch.
From: Anonymous Date: 07/27/2007
I know someone that lives here. I used to work in apartment management with another nationwide company and I am used to seeing these kind of complaints from people that do not like to take responsibility for themselves. The company I used to work for also charged a late fee on the 2nd and it was larger, $75. It amazed me how people are surprised only when they are paying late. You signed a lease where the late penalties are stated and if it was soooo outrageous don't sign the legal contract agreeing to it! Duh! Next it amazes me that people that complain the loudest dont move away! If this place is so horrible, leave. Problem solved! It is impossible to please every person that resides at a place so large but if you have a problem react like an adult and talk to management. If you dont get the response you require then move out. Simple! As for scorpions, you live in Arizona they are a reality here. Talk to management, call pest control, get a can of Raid its what I do at my home. The 60-day notice is commonplace and helps the company run their business. Anywhere from 30 to 90 days can be required. As for the "44 year old business man" having a home of your own is not all its cracked up to be. Making repairs, landscaping, paying HOA fees, bad neighbors, barking dogs etc. It really can be easier for a business man that is too busy for all this responsibility. It could be a temporary solution as well, the way people move around for their jobs now days...being in an apartment hardly means he is not successful. The lesson here is be an adult and read your contract, ask questions and take responsibility. If you don't like it move at the end of you lease don't sign a renewal just so you can continue to complain!
From: Anonymous Date: 08/07/2007
Anonymous #11 07/27/07 is either ------- or the 44-year-old loser who considers himself successful, yet, still lives in rental apartments. Besides, I've had bad neighbors and put up with neighbors' barking dogs when I used to rent and management did nothing about it when I complained. This site is for apartment reviews only, not for jackoffs like yourself to attack people for leaving negative reviews. You're the one that needs to be an adult, jackass. Take your condescending attitude and shove it!
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