I like to read apartment reviews and laugh at the idiots who usually post on here. I have been in property management for 14 years, mostly in California, but this hand book issue stated by a lot of people here caught my eye and here is what I reccomend.

Generally, first consultation with an attorney is free and I reccomend always ask one. I think every resident should understand tenant/landlord law. If they did, we would not have so many complaints on here and less in the office when they come in to gripe.

On to the Handbook, normally a property can not change the rules on you without a proper notice, usually a 30 day notice posted on your door and in some states also mailed to you. They also can not usually change the rules while your on a lease. There are some exceptions to this, pool rules, office hours, parking policies etc,. can be changed while on a lease and usually a notification is still required. However, if a company changed a bunch of rules including an entire handbook with out proper notification and without providing you with a copy, I would say they were in the wrong and you need to seek legal representation for any and all lost damages. This could even be a class action suit.

First though, check your newest lease and be sure you didnt agree to allnthe terms that are listed in the new hand book or that you signed or agreed to anything about the new handbook. I doubt it but check to see if there is a version number on the hand book and if it is put in the lease.. either way, it would be up to the management company to prove they provided you legally with the up to day hand book that would of course differ to the one you have and agreed to at lease signing.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 08/02/2008
After reading what you (and others) had to say I was concerned that the handbook I have was "outdated". I went by the office to express my concern, and make sure I was given an "updated" book. I was assured the policies stated in the handbook are, and have always been up to date. They even told me all Griffis Blessing properties receive copies of that handbook, and it is general expectations but Bella Springs does have some differences(ie: when rent is late, and utilities). Lastly, i was told if I ever questioned policies, to read my lease. It really got me thinking, would such a large company, and apparently a fairly successful one really chance the lawsuits and give out old books? I was so embarassed that I jumped to conclusions. I don't know what exactly started people saying they have an outdated handbook, but if mine is up to date, chances are their book is too. Thank you for your input. Hopefully, between the two of our experiences this problem will be cleared up.

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