It seems that there is one person here who insists on writing the same negative review. I aim to bring some balance and honesty to the review of River Park Apartments.
The online price was lower than the rate we were given upon visiting the rental office. Alex informed me that that couldn't the case and that he personally took care of the website. It was either sloppy website management or a bait-and-switch tactic. The lower rate was not honored.
Pros:
1. Square footage-to-rent is an adequate value. You're not being ripped off on space, but you're not getting the Superdome, either.
2. Washer/dryer included and are in the adjacent garage. Prevents noise and unnecessary heat in the apartment.
3. We have a couple living in the vicinity who are no strangers to domestic disputes. After some complaints to the office and Sheriff, they're demeanor has changed drastically. Whatever River Park did/said to them worked. Kudos.
Cons:
1. Slow/incompetent maintenance staff. With the exception of emergencies, I've stopped requesting work orders, and everyone seems to be happy with the arrangement. I am going to inform them of everything that has broken when we leave. Simply put... I've given up on maintenance requests.
List of maintenance items: Broken garage door, carpet stains and wrinkles, leaky washer, malfunctioning hot water unit (in the ac intake), malfunctioning water heater, broken chain lock on front door, sink caved in, maintenance replaced my mail lock without my permission.
2. Poor grounds upkeep. Excessive flooding around apartment which contributes to the mold issue brought up by other reviewers.
3. Security issues: I've personally witnessed 2 different occasions where people were arrested by the Santa Clarita Sheriff's Department, one of which occurred after I called the police on an unrelated matter and they got lost. They just happened to catch 2 men illegally parked, hotboxing their car. An outdoor lamp has also been replaced multiple times, but has been torn from it's foundation just as many times. This causes an unsafe blanket of darkness in a common area. Also, a young boy was almost abducted. The Sheriffs were notified and their family has since vacated.
4. I was told by Alex, due to budget constraints, my carpets could not be replaced or cleaned. This is understandable, considering the economic climate nowadays, but this information was provided only after 3 office visits addressing the issue. Previous tenants left stains so bad, they are coming up from the pad.
5. Bad accounting - I moved in during the middle of July, but paid a full month's rent - not the usual prorated amount. To River Park's credit, I was given a credit 7 or 8 months later - but only after the management switch to JPI.
Tips:
Don't leave voice mails at the office. I haven't had a single one returned. I've even asked if the message machine was working correctly. After an answer in the affirmative - I was still never contacted.
If anyone in the office tells you "maintenance will take a look at it tomorrow", they won't show up. Follow up in person at the rental office, instead.
As a person, you don't matter as much as money. When I called and complained that my chain lock was broken (separated from the wall) and this created an unsafe condition, Alex's reply was "...well, you have renters insurance, don't you'". Thanks for the sentiment.
My conclusion is that River Park is a good "first-time" apartment for those just moving out. At River Park, you will encounter conditions so poor, you will know exactly what ask your next landlord when moving in.
The maintenance department is so understaffed, that they will only fix things out of necessity. Superficial maintenance requests are placed on the back burner and simply forgotten about.
Amber, if you're reading this (I've seen your reply's - it's reassuring to know you stop by here), I seriously hope that this constructive review will draw attention to and help you address the issues plaguing the River Park community.
J.M.

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