In December 2008, I wrote my original review, which I've left at the end of this updated review. After reading some of the recent reviews, I thought I might give my own updated statements.

When we first moved in, my husband and I noticed some issues regarding customer service and maintenance. These issues continue. After several incidents, I dread dealing with the office in any way, as there seems to be an apathy towards customers along with an "accidental forgetfulness" of requests ranging from scheduling pest controls to wrapping up in-progress maintenance requests. Maintenance is shoddy--this is the first apartment complex I've lived in that I had to finally give up on them changing the air conditioning filter and change it myself due to the lack of scheduled maintenance on the apartment management's side. They finally scheduled fire alarm check and filter maintenance a few days ago--the first time since my husband and I moved in almost a year ago. The upkeep of the apartments have gone downhill over the year that we've been here, including a lack of updating gym equipment, repairing the door for the complex's game room, and the jacuzzi was so unclean we finally gave up going to it.

There has been a change in the socioeconomic class living in the complex over the past year. As apartments have emptied, the cost of rent has gone down. We started out at over $1300, and now our apartment rents for closer to $1,100. Of course, there's no discount for those of us who are here. But, in the meantime, more college-aged kids are moving in, and families and older people are moving out. The new residents are bringing with them lots of friends with multiple cars staying overnight, taking up the once abundant parking. Another person mentioned an increase in crime here--I agree. My husband and I left our garage open just long enough for him to leave for work and me follow within five minutes. In those five minutes, items were stolen from our garage. Welcome to Camden Lakeway living!

While when I first moved in, I would've still recommended Camden, at this point, I will not. Hubby and I are beginning to investigate our next home to move into, and hope to not be in Camden, which we had such high hopes for when we moved here, in the next year.



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December 2008 review:
Regarding the apartment, my husband and I have been overall mostly satisfied. The apartment has a great layout, especially for two introverts living together. We're able to "lose" one another in the apartment. There is also plenty of closet space for us. Our neighbors are relatively quiet, and we don't hear them very much--no tvs, no radios, not even feet most days. However, when any of us flush a toilet, the pipes are extremely loose and BANG 3 times inside the walls, "clank, clank, clank!" That took some getting used to during sleep hours.

I love the workout center. It's mostly empty, and has good equipment in fair condition. They could use another treadmill (there are only 2, and they're often in use). During the times my husband and I have worked out, there have only been one to three other people in the gym at the same time.

The apartment management has been lacking. My husband and I moved in from out of state. The paperwork was sent to us rather late (2 weeks prior to move in-time, and in the middle of the holidays). My husband emailed and asked if we could just bring the paperwork with us. We received no response, and later, during a phone call, my husband was told his email never arrived. I used to believe that statement from the apartment management; I now question it. We were told we had to send the paperwork and the cashiers checks immediately, "or else."

On the first day we arrived, we were involved in what my husband and I called a "non-conversation" with the apartment leasing agent. We arrived a day later than we anticipated, and the leasing agent made it seem like a big deal. She may have to do something, but she'd have to check with the community manager first. Huh' Okay. That told us nothing, but allowed us to worry again.

A few days later, we asked for a copy of our lease papers. We were told we'd receive a copy after the community manager signed them. Eleven days later, we remain without a copy of our lease. On that same day, I asked the leasing agent if we could get a can of touch-up paint. She hemmed and hawed, and said she'd check. I still don't have a response for that, either.

On that same day, when I first attempted to enter the Welcome Center, I found the doors "locked." What I didn't realize is that the door handles are incredibly stiff and will fool a person who doesn't know to push down extra-hard. Thankfully, the leasing agent rushed downstairs and caught me before I went away. Unfortunately, the leasing agent didn't realize I was going to follow her upstairs a few minutes later. When I arrived on the leasing floor, she and another were behind a cube in the office. They couldn't see me, but I could easily hear them. She mentioned that the doors were really stiff and customers didn't realize that the doors were unlocked. Instantly, I warmed! She saw it from our side! Yeppie! And then cold ice came crashing down, when her coworker responded in what I perceived to be a scathing tone, "Yeah! Even though there's a sign RIGHT THERE that says, 'We're Open.'" Well now! Pardon me for being human!

And now, the icing on the cake. Early this week, my husband received an email from the leasing agent that the price on our lease (which was filled out by the community manager) was calculated incorrectly, and that we owe approximately $40 more for the pro-rated month of December. We were completely aghast that this would be communicated to us via informal email. Secondly we were appalled that the company would even consider communicating this at all! We signed our lease, purchased our cashiers checks, sent the information, and the cashiers checks have been deposited by the company. Now, weeks later, we're being asked for more money because someone on their end made a mathematical mistake' To me, it's no different than had I gone to the grocery store, bought a box of cereal at price, and then the grocery store called me a month later to say, "Oops...wrong price. Please swing by and bring an extra $2.00 to give us, thanks." Unfathomable!

So, overall...good apartments, lots of parking, and I'm wondering about the customer service training down at the leasing office!

At the bottom, I'm asked if I would or would not recommend Camden Lakeway. As of right now, the jury is out for me. Customer service is a HUGE part of any experience for me, and while I like the apartment, I'm not sold on the management here yet. They've got some redeeming to do.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 06/27/2009
I am wondering how you like the apartment complex now that you have been there awhile.. I am seriously considering this place.. How do you like the location, neighbors etc? thanks in advance!

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