I just want to start out by saying that the rating for this complex has gone from 87% from the summer of 2007 to 63% today! That should tell you something right there.

I chose this apartment complex for its great location to the city (very close to a lot of things). I was highly considering Lake Lanier Club down the road, but many residents complained of the gates never working there, so I chose Carrington because it was smaller and offered more security. After the new manager took over the gates rarely worked. I know of months that they were just left open for whoever wants to come in. Cars, with LOUD music, would come in at all hours of the night. I know that people ram gates or try to sneak in, but they should be fixed in ample time. When I called up to the office, no one could give a status on the gates. They would say that they were calling around to get prices. When I spoke to them of the safety concerns they said that the gates are not security gates. Sirens come from the street next to complex at all hours of the night. I am not sure what is going on over there, but the gates did give some security...but since they never worked I moved! They even set up a neighborhood watch to help keep suspicious people at bay. If the gates were fixed, people might feel a little safer!

When I rented my apartment, the verbal agreement for early lease termination was 30 days notice and 1 month rent. When I resigned my lease a year later. No one notified me of any changes in the lease agreement. My rent did go up $20 (and this happed for other people I know in the complex every year they renewed!) When I wanted to terminate my lease early because I found a safer, cheaper place to live, I was told I had to give 60 days notice and pay an additional 2 months rent. When I asked them when it had changed, they said at the beginning of the year. I asked why no one was notified and they said that they didn't have to notify residents of that change. So I called other complexes in Georgia that are owned by Empirian and they ALL told me that they would notify their residents of any changes like that, they ask for 30 days notice and 1 1/2 months additional rent. The difference of money that I had to come up with was...$1110.00 more than what I was expecting! I now understand that it was MY responsibility to ask if there are changes to the lease and I urge you to call the office and check for any changes. I don't want you to be hit with these charges. Even when I moved out, my apartment was immaculate - but I was charged $20 for a screw hole where the curtain rod was. I could have patched it for 20 cents.

When I read the posting from the resident with the child who had become sick from the mold...it saddens me, because it could all have been prevented. There are holes on the side of one building caused by rocks that children threw. I know that I told the maintenance men about it last year and nothing has been done about it. When it rains, water is getting in those holes and causing mildew and mold. I am not certain about other rumors and things you hear from other tenants and employees, but it seems like there is much re-organization that needs to take place. Employees should be free to talk to the tenants to promote good customer service. When I heard that maintenance men were told not to fratinize with the tenants, I was concerned. I felt like there was something they were trying to hide. Again, this is all hearsay, but I thought you should know.

Some good things: the apartments are nicely sized and I think that the neighbors are fairly nice. I have not had any problems or heard of any problems from others about the other tenants. I know that can change anytime. The pool is very nice and usually really clean. I never had any problems there and the reason why the work-out room was closed was because of a water leak under the floor. The staff usually helped in any way they could to accomodate the radio station and noise level. They even have fun parties or events at the pool. The tennis courts are fine, but not in the gates. There are plenty of places to throw away dog mess. I think that most people do a great job of keeping their dogs on leashes, but it would be nice if the tenants could pick up their own dogs' mess. I know that is not the staff's fault.

That is all I am going to write now, but if you have any questions I would be glad to help! My final recommendation is no because of the fact that it was so difficult to exit my lease and the gate situation. I wish that the management would communicate with the tenants.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 02/22/2009
It seems to me from what you said that management was trying to help you with the cost. Didn't you sign a lease?
From: renting0101	Date: 02/23/2009
Yes, I signed a lease. If you would read my review again, I did say that they helped me out with 1/2 month rent. I also wrote down the difference that I had to come up with. The point of my review is to notify future and current tennants to inquire about changes, because management will not notify you. I wish that someone would have told me to inquire about such things, so I would not have had to spend most of my savings on leaving this complex.
From: Falconfan	Date: 02/24/2009
I'm looking between here and a few other places right now, and I've been reading through the reviews to get some inside information so to speak. I get why some people would be upset about certain issues but maybe you can help me understand the rest. You signed a contract, or as you say lease, for a period of time which you agreed to. Then, you decided to end your lease for whatever reason and instead of making you pay for remainder of the contract you agreed to, they charged you a fee. From my understanding of renting for the last 6 years, this is common but not unfair. I've seen your name on several reviews and it appears personal, so thats why I'm asking your input for a better understanding before I make my final decision.

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