05/03/2007

I have lived at Gables Mill for 2 years. The office staff changed a few times, but were generally and consistently friendly and seemed to really want to meet your needs and the property manager, Greg, was a constant. I felt mostly appreciated as a resident and maintenance was generally reliable.

I hadn't noticed any major changes when the property manager recently changed- UNTIL it came time to renew my lease. Mind you- this will be the THIRD year I've lived here... My rent is going up AGAIN, but nothing major- about $50 each year. What gets me though is that they want me to REAPPLY to live here and pay a new application fee and PUT DOWN A DEPOSIT for an apartment I ALREADY live in. (When I moved in 2 years ago the community had a promotion that the deposit would be waived, though I DID pay the $400 pet FEE- NON-REFUNDABLE- I have 2 cats- I mean REALLY- are 2 small cats going to do $400 worth of damage, but whatever, I love my cats, the management has my money, they're keeping my money- I can live with this.)

I don't understand this reasoning. I make twice as much money now as I did when I moved in. I can prove that with W-2's. My credit report hasn't changed drastically. You KNOW my rental history for the past two years.... IT'S BEEN HERE!! You've BEEN in my apartment to do maintenance and can see I haven't destroyed the place... So what's the problem' Why do I all of a sudden need to be "re-approved" to continue to live in my apartment' Why do I need to put up a new deposit when I've obviously been successfully paying rent for 2 years and have taken good care of the unit' That IS what deposits are FOR, right' To cover damages that may occur (BUT OBVIOUSLY HAVEN'T- do you think I'm going to all of a sudden change how I live') or to cover for someone who's a high-risk renter' I mean, I PAY you guys to have my carpet cleaned 3-4 times a year!!! When I nicked the wall I consulted with maintenance on how they wanted it fixed so that it would be up to their standards. They even gave me the right paint to use. I've also been here 2 years- if I was going to skip out on the place I think I would have done so by now... For some reason it seems they're trying to get more money out of me- I did read in other reviews that the new staff likes to keep deposits- maybe they're planning ahead and have decided they need to actually get one from me if they want to keep it...

The new staff has been VERY uncooperative in addressing these questions and concerns. Poor Brittany or Bethany looks like she just stepped out of Property Leasing 101. She's nice but the answer is always "my hands are tied" or "its company policy" or "you'll have to ask the manager." If I wanted to pay a new deposit and pay a new application fee, I'd MOVE TO A NEW APARTMENT. In fact, that's what I plan to do...

All other things considered, it's a great community. Great pool, nice tennis courts, access to the Chattahoochee Recreation area... Appliances are apparently old, as are cabinets, doors, "accent" walls... but not bad for the area and seemingly well maintained. The exterior is nice, I have a nice patio... I feel very safe here... The gates ARE always broken... and people speed in and out so it's NOT child/pedestrian friendly. Lots of young people, students- though I have never had a problem with excessive noise- except for the time one of the staff lived in the apartment above me( just a couple of months)... it sounded like a domestic violence situation and they moved after she threw all his stuff off their balcony... Last Memorial Day everyone had a blast at the pool- there's always a fun, young crowd there- again, NOT child friendly- but that's why I like it. If you don't get there by 11 am during the summer weekends, you won't get a chair!! :)

To me, it's just not worth dealing with unfriendly, unhelpful, CLERALY NOT resident-oriented staff... I feel like they're trying to pick my pockets with these new policies. And they aren't even trying to be NICE about it... I think I'm going to be moving soon to a Post community. I have my written notice to turn in tonight.

****OK- Just an update to this review****

05/08/2008

Due to a roommate bailing on me- I stayed for another year. No big deal.

As far as the management- things have evened out. At first there were TONS of "NEW RULES" notices put in our doors. I mean-come on- no more than two guests with you at the pool' It was a bit much. But one time one of the ladies in the office stayed late one night to accept my rent check- as my boss kept me at work later than I expected. That was super nice- and more than she had to do. I bought her a plant to say thank you.

The "renovation" and "new look'" HORRIBLE. The property is very wooded and the new dark color makes it seem dismal and depressing. VERY ugly- and I've heard multiple residents give that feedback to the office staff. The new landscaping is nice- but really- I could give a rats behind if the bushes look good- My apartment interior is SO old!

Upgrades are needed IMMEDIATELY if Gables Mills wants to remain competitive. OLD appliances, OLD cabinets, OLD linoleum, OLD doors, OLD counter tops- definitely needs to be more modern.

I live in a unit with a walk-in shower- and they've had to redo the tile three times in as many years. The baseboards around the shower are rotting and moldy- and I'm tired of having it redone- so I quit reporting it. Clearly there is a leak or drainage issue somewhere- and they've REALLY tried to fix it- but you know how that goes. They're on a limited budget and there's only so much they're authorized to do.

I've outgrown the resident demographic. I moved in right after college and it was the perfect age group. I just want something more modern and nicer. Gables Mill isn't for everyone. But for someone just getting started or in college- it's fine. I love the park access to the river- great for walking/hiking/running. Neighbors are relatively friendly-but nothing tight-knit. I have NO CLUE if the unit above me is leased... I never hear anyone- and before this, before the last girl I knew of moved- I heard her all the time. Maybe I'm just lucky and have SUPER quiet neighbors.

I've heard of car break-ins-but don't feel unsafe. The gate is often broken and is set to stay open around 5 pm when everyone gets home-otherwise there would be a traffic pile-up.

I think, overall, my time at Gables Mill was decent. I think I could have found a nicer apartment for the same money- but probably not right on the nature reserve. In general leasing offices promise the world to get you to sign the lease and then don t show that same attention once you re a resident- but any time you have sales staff paid on commission this is the way it works. I don t think Gables Mill is any better or worse than other offices with this respect.

I guess that s my overall opinion- No better or worse than average. It does not exceed my expectations- but doesn t fail to meet them either. I do feel over Gables Mill. I just want something better. When they asked me my reason for moving out- my response was- I ve outgrown the apartment.

So I m moving to the Dunwoody area. Most nicer apartments come with W/D included, new cabinetry/kitchens, and some with hardwood floors.

BUT- I m giving up living on the river-the nature and outdoors aspect is what made my stay totally worth it. You absolutely CANNOT beat that aspect ANYWHERE.

If you have any specific questions about my experience-please feel free to e-mail me...

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