I just moved out after a year. I was happy with some things and most of the staff (except as listed below) and then got a $650 bill.

1. When you leave, you will receive a bill for cleaning, carpet cleaning and painting. Or, if you paid a deposit ( I didn't), they probably will keep it. California code requires that they:

a. Let you know that you may have a walk through with management to identify what they will charge you for and give you the opportunity to fix it yourself. They don't do tell you this, thus violating the code.

b. Allow for normal wear and tear. Their carpets are usually not new but they expect you leave them looking newer than when you moved in. They also try to charge you for painting. Unless there was damage to the walls, they can't charge you for filling holes from pictures and painting.

2. They will harass you by threatening to ruin your credit and black list you to future landlords by turning over your case to a collection agency. Don't accept this. Here is how to handle it:

a. Do not ignore them or try to hide from them. Provide at least your email address or a fax number so they can send you the documents.

b. Tell them that if they continue to threaten you, you will consider it harassment.

c. Offer to resolve it in small claims court, arbitration or at the Los Angeles District Attourney's office.

d. Provide a list of any deficeincies on there part. For SIX months of the year I wsa there, the pool heater did not work. I informed them I would counter sue for 5% of the rent for each of the six months (about $600) and, if successful, consider starting a class action lawsuit (I still might do it) $600 x 600(') units= $360,000.

e. They will bully you. Do not back down if you feel you are in the right.

3. In you letter giving notice of moving out, be sure to have a record that they received it. I sent an email and asked them to acknowledge receipt. State exactly when you will move out and list the keys and other items you will leave. If the office will be closed, tell them you will leave them in the drop box or on the kitchen counter



WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT
1. The staff was fairly effecient. There were some who were not friendly but I liked most of them. The groundkeepers and maintanence guys were great. The security guys try but they are understaffed at night and can't always leave the post.
2. The gym was kept clean.


WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
1. A large number of units are rented by colleges and are used like dorms. Many are young guys who like to make noise.
2. It was hard to sleep through the night....barking dog, someone yelling, people hanging out on the balcony at 3am, someone's smoke alarm battery beeping continually, etc. I had some druggies directly across my balcony who partied until sunrise, often during the week. They took a long time to evict them.
3. The pool and jacuzzis where often cold. Even when the pool heater was finally fixed, it was still cold sometimes.
4. Like anywhere, there is a graffiti problem. The staff does their best but it's hard when they scratch it into the metal of the elevator.
5. They do not care if you stay about turn over. Almost every apartment around me had turnover while I was there...some more than once. It does not make for a community feeling.
6. There are many rules that you don't hear about until after giving your non-refundable deposit.


Btw, after moving out, I bought a house with mortgage payments slightly more than the rent.

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