I moved from NY and two weeks before my move I called to ensure there would be no move-in surprises and everything would be in order. On that call I spoke with Rachel (now fired) to find out if I could pay with my out-of-state check on move in day. She assured me that is would be fine and everything was in order. After driving 3000 miles my girlfriend and I arrived in San Diego only to find out Rachel is an idiot and basically lied to us. I was not able to use my out-of-state check, was not allowed to move in, and hand to spend another $120 at a hotel. Management was unapologetic, unconcerned, and basically tried to reflect the blame back on me. Not to mention management still charged me for the day that I was not allowed to move in ??because there was nothing he could do its just policy??.

Things got better after I finally got settled in because I lowered my expectations for Padre Gardens and its staff and made it a point to only have contact with them when paying rent once a month. So if you do decide to move here, lower your expectations and never expect anything from the staff. Do this, and I assure you, you will love it here.

Ill spare you most the details and skip to the interesting yet outrageous end, Believe me you cant make &*%# like this up. So without further delay the conclusion to my laundry list of problems with Padre Gardens. First let me say that I couldn??t have been happier to move out. During my last few days I ended up doing my exit paper work with Matt. He was courteous and polite. However, during my exit paper work I had marked that I wanted an "initial walk through". He informed me this was not necessary because I would have a ??final walk through??. So after checking the initial walk through box, on his advice, I changed my response. DO NOT DO THIS!!! GET YOUR INITIAL INSPECTION!!!!!!! Did I mention Matt was a temp and even though he was polite he was inexperienced and untrained and gave me the advice that ended up costing me $300.

It??s always nice when people are nice as they drain your wallet. Anyway, to make a long story short, I cleaned the apartment until it was as clean as when I moved in. I anticipated getting most of my $600 dollar deposit back. Again, I got about half that!! Why' Well there was dust on the ceiling fan blades and pieces of hair at the base of the sink, which obviously cost $300 to clean. Before I forget, don??t ask about how much of your deposit you can expect to get back; the staff will be as ambiguous as possible.

Moving on, I contacted the general manager to find out about my deposit because after the staff at Padre Gardens submits the move out paper work, as they put it, it??s now out of their hands and they cant help you, but heres the number to the corporate office. That??s right! They wont even make the call for you. It??s now up to you to call the corporate office and do the leg work on this.

I reached the corporate office and had the honor of talking with the General Manager. I Finally found out how much I would be getting back, $300 from $600. I was surprised they planned on keeping the other $300 and asked to see the line item charges, which were faxed to me. After seeing the ridiculous line items I mentioned to the GM that it would have been nice to know they were going to be that anal about the cleanliness and she replied that??s what the initial inspection is for and that??s why its so important.

I proceeded to tell her how Matt (the Temp) gave me good advice not to get the initial inspection. In few words or less she told me that her staff would never do such a thing. So basically, calling me a liar and passing the accountability to the renter. Now I know why lower management passes the buck its Padre policy that comes down from upper management.

Can we even call them management' The only things they manage to do are frustrate tenants and create larger issues. I could go on for days and days of why not to rent here. From the top management down this place is run like a zoo and the staff is irresponsible, unapologetic, and unaccountable for anything.

If you want to spend your time pissed off and trying to get unreasonable people to understand reasonable concerns this place is for you. Did I mention the GM threatened to charge me with Slander if I posted this review!! Bring it on GM I have the right as a consumer to give an accurate account of my experience with at Padre Gardens. Maybe instead of threatening former tenants you should manage the place better.

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