This memo is in reference to the problems I have endured since I moved onto your property. I have been a resident at Hickory Lake Apartments since October 5, 2004 and have had trouble ever since.
To begin, when touring your apartment complex I was advised of all the great amenities, however the problems I have had to deal with greatly outweigh the amenities.
To start I did not receive a mailbox key, to retrieve my mail from my assigned mailbox. I was told that my key had to be ordered and that I would receive it within two days. I signed my lease on a Tuesday and expected it within two days, which would have been Thursday. I called on Thursday October 7th. and spoke with Ann and was informed that I needed to address this problem with Sherlyn in regards to the key. I requested to speak with her. I spoke with Sherlyn and explained to her that I was calling to inquire about my mailbox key. She stated to me that she had to place an order with the maintenance department regarding the key. I explained to her that I signed my lease on Tuesday the 5th and was told that I would receive it within in two days. She stated to me to check back with her on Friday the following day in regards to my mailbox key. On Friday October 8th I called the office @ 10:36a.m. in regards to my mailbox key. I was transferred to Sherlyn and asked her about the status of my key and she stated to me that she had not had a chance to put the order in for my key. I asked her when should I call back to check on my key she stated to call back around 4p.m. I called @ 4:39p.m. and requested to speak to Sherlyn in regards to my key. Sherlyn stated that she had not had a chance to speak to maintenance in regards to my key. I asked when should I call back to inquire about my key. She stated to me that I should call back on Monday after 11a.m. to check the status.
At this point it seemed to become a game in regards to me receiving my mailbox key. I called daily to check the status of my key and daily received the run around. On one occasion I called on a Friday and spoke to Erica and asked to speak to Sherlyn in regards to my key and was told that she would be in the office on Saturday and that I could see her about the key then. When I arrived at the office on Saturday I was told that Sherlyn does not come into the office on Saturdays. On Tuesday October 12th. I was asked by Sherlyn could I wait until next week for my key because maintenance was going to re-key everybody?s mailbox lock next week and that they didn?t won?t to have to cut a key twice for me. I informed Sherlyn that was unacceptable because all my mail, checks and other important items were locked in my mailbox. I was instructed to meet the mailman when he delivers the mail and retrieve my mail that way. I informed Sherlyn that I work during the day and there was no way that I could meet the mailman and she replied there was nothing she could do at that time. Subsequently I did not receive my mail and a key to the mailbox until October 29th. @ 11:42a.m.
18 United States Code Section 1702. Obstruction of correspondence
Whoever takes any letter, postal card, or package out of any post office or any authorized depository for mail matter, or from any letter or mail carrier, or which has been in any post office or authorized depository, or in the custody of any letter or mail carrier, before it has been delivered to the person to whom it was directed, with design to obstruct the correspondence, or to pry into the business or secrets of another, or opens, secretes, embezzles, or destroys the same, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

? 214. Obstruction of mails generally.
Whoever knowingly and willfully obstructs or retards the passage of the mail or any carrier or conveyance carrying the mail shall be fined not more than $200, or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

Source: PL 3-38 ? 208.

? 215. Obstruction of correspondence.
Whoever takes any article of mail out of any post office or any authorized depository for mail matter, or from any mail carrier, or which has been in any post office or authorized depository or in the custody of any mail carrier, before it has been delivered to the person to whom it was directed, with design to obstruct the correspondence or to pry into the business or secrets of another, or opens, secrets, embezzles, or destroys the same shall be fined not more than $2,000, or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

Source: PL 3-38 ? 209.

Cross-reference: The statutory provisions on Crimes are found in title 11 of this code. The statutory provisions on Criminal Procedure are found in title 12 of this code.

? 216. Delay or destruction of mail.
Whoever, being a Postal Service officer or employee, unlawfully secrets, destroys, detains, delays, or opens any article of mail entrusted to him or which shall come into his possession, and which was intended to be conveyed by mail, shall be fined not more than $500, or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

Source: PL 3-38 ? 210.

Cross-reference: The statutory provisions on Crimes are found in title 11 of this code. The statutory provisions on Criminal Procedure are found in title 12 of this code
Second situation, since I have moved into the apartment complex I have tried repeatedly to get the pest control as stated in the Lease Addendum A section 15 ?Your apartment units will be sprayed on a regular basis. If you have a special or extreme problem with pests, notify the office. You are asked to assist in pest control by maintaining a high standard of good housekeeping.? I called and requested information on how to have my unit sprayed by the pest control vendor. I was informed that the complex is visited every Friday by the vendor and that my name would be added to the list to have my home sprayed on Friday October 8th. After arriving home on Friday evening I realized that my unit had not been sprayed. I called the office on Saturday to find out what could be done because the roaches were extremely bad. I was informed by Erica that the pest control vendor would be back on next Friday and she would make sure that my unit is put on the list. Well needless to say next Friday came and still no one came to my unit and sprayed. I called on Thursday October 14th. I called to verify that my name was on the list and was told by Claudia that my apartment was on the list. I called the leasing office on Friday October 15th. @ 10:08a.m. to double check that my apartment was going to be sprayed, I was told by Ann that my apartment was on the list to be sprayed. Same scenario came home to find that my apartment had not been sprayed. I phoned the office on Saturday October 16th. and explained to Ann that my apartment had not been sprayed and that the roaches were horrific and that I had not been able to sleep in my apartment since I moved in. I reminded Ann of the policy in the lease Addendum A #15 Pest Control that states, your apartment units will be sprayed on a regular basis. If you have a special or extreme problem with pests, notify the office. You are asked to assist in pest control by maintaining a high standard of good housekeeping. I also explained to Ann, that due to the pest problem, I have had to dispose of a lot of my food and that was costing me money. Ann apologized, and instructed me to call on Monday and notify Sherlyn. Well since the management seems to be not honoring their commitment that they made to me on October 5th. as far as pest control spraying my unit I decided that I would have to go out and purchase the chemicals myself out of my own funds. I went to Home Depot and spent $25.65 on chemicals to fumigate my home, for which I pay $449.00 to Hickory Lake Apartment to do. I continued to call the leasing office in regards to the insect problem that I was having at my apartment. I spoke to Erica and she stated that the problem might be because the apartment next door was empty and that she would notify maintenance about it. On Friday October 29th., I called @11:17a.m. and spoke to Clara in regards to the situation. I explained to her that if I was given the key to the apartment next door I would go and spray myself. Clara said that she would have maintenance go and purchase the materials needed and would arrange with maintenance for the key. On Friday I called the office at 4:37p.m. to inquire about the key to spray and was told by Sherlyn that she knew nothing about the key being left but she would tell maintenance to go and spray on Saturday. On Saturday I called the office and asked if maintenance was coming spray and was told by Ann that she had no knowledge of maintenance coming to spray. I decided to purchase more chemicals from Home Depot to try and control the insect problem. I paid $15.18 on insect spray. On Sunday morning I found a box of Foggers placed in front of the empty apartment?s door with note on it stating that Joe told me to give you this. I called the office on Monday November 1st. @ 11:09a.m. and spoke to Clara and explained to her that no one sprayed the apartment and that the box was placed in front of the empty apartment with the note. Clara stated that she had specifically notified the manager of maintenance of what was expected; she apologized and stated that it would be taken care of. I called Clara back @ 3:37p.m. and she stated to me that my apartment would be defogged on Tuesday November 2nd. I called on Tuesday morning to make sure that they were going to spray and was informed by Clara that it would be handled first thing that morning. Well finally the apartment was sprayed on November 2nd.
Tenants are entitled to a livable, safe and sanitary apartment. Lease provisions inconsistent with this right are illegal. Failure to provide heat or hot water on a regular basis, or to rid an apartment of insect infestation are examples of a violation of this warranty. Public areas of the building are also covered by the warranty of habitability. The warranty of habitability also applies to cooperative apartments, but not to condominiums. Any uninhabitable condition caused by the tenant or persons under his direction or control does not constitute a breach of the warranty of habitability. In such a case, it is the responsibility of the tenant to remedy the condition. (Real Property Law ?235-b)
Third situation, I had put a service request in reference to the overhead vent for the stove that was not functioning on Thursday October 7th. The request was not completed until the 2nd. of November. I spoke with Sherlyn and asked her what was the turn around time for a service request; she stated that there was not one in place and that the requests are completed when maintenance gets to them.
Fourth situation, I paid my rent on November 3rd after finally getting my home sprayed by maintenance but not by professionals to make sure the insects do not reappear. Trying to pay the rent on the second I asked Erica could I get a receipt for full payment of my rent and she stated that I could not get one until the checks cleared. I informed her that I just wanted a receipt for me to have proof that I turned my rent in on time. She stated that I could come back in the morning when Sherlyn was in the office. Since I had to work, before sending someone to drop off my rent and water bill checks I called and spoke to Clara and asked was it okay to send someone else to drop off my payments and could I get a receipt. Clara stated that it was okay and to request the employee taking the checks to make a copy of the checks and to sign and date the paper. Unfortunately that was a problem, because I had the young lady to bring the checks and request a copy of them and Sherlyn stated that she does not and would not make a copy. The young lady called me at work on her cell phone informing me of what was happening. I informed Sherlyn that I had spoke to Clara and she stated that is was okay and that it would be no problem to make a copy of the checks. After Sherlyn calling Clara and make a big deal out of a molehill, she went ahead and made a copy of the checks. Luckily for me I had the copy made. On Friday November 5th., while returning home I retrieved a red notice on my door stating that my account was delinquent by $50. Now after reviewing my copy of my lease to make sure I paid the correct amount of rent. Which is $449 rent and $15 water bill' I called and verified that the checks had cleared the bank and they had. On Saturday November 6th. I went to the leasing office to inquire about the notice. I spoke to Sherlyn and she stated that the computer system was down and that she couldn?t do anything. I informed her that I was going to call on Monday morning to see what the reason why I received this notice was. On Monday I called on several times to inquire about the notice but received no help. I spoke to Claudia on several occasions and was put on hold repeatedly. I called several more times to get some assistance in regards to the notice. I repeatedly asked to speak to Clara and was denied that request. Claudia informed me that Clara told her to tell me that the property manager was gone and she would be at work in the morning. I asked Claudia who was the property manager she stated that she didn?t know. I asked her what the property manager?s name was, she replied she didn?t know. At this time I asked Claudia did she have a problem with me. I explained to her that every time that I call the office and she answers the phone I am left on hold for an enormous amount of time and no one ever comes to the phone. I also informed her that I didn?t feel that was good customer service, like what is advertised while you are on hold listening to the promos. She stated that she didn?t know what I was referring to. She then put me on hold without asking me to please hold or can I hold or at least do I mind holding. I do not feel that is customer service at all.
Fifth situation, on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 @ 8:02p.m. I called the answering service to have the on-call maintenance technician paged because there was a leak in the apartment above me and the ceiling had caved in over the bathtub and water was coming from the hole. The maintenance guy came out looked at the hole and said that he wasn?t getting paid for that and he would check it tomorrow and left. Well on Thursday morning I called to follow-up on the situation and asked was a ticket put in regarding the hole in the ceiling and leaking pipe. I was told that a ticket had not been put in and that maintenance would be dispatched to my apartment. No one showed up until Friday afternoon after me calling @ 2:37p.m. Maintenance came looked at hole and stated he would be right back with the painters, he never returned.

Even though your advertisement shows a very well kept and elegant property, I have experienced just the opposite. Tenant testimony is the greatest form of advertisement for rental property. If I were to talk to anyone regarding your property it would not be very nice. ApartmentRatings.com exists to help tenants share their renting experiences and give apartment hunters the information necessary to make an informed renting decision.
When calling the leasing office you are greeted by a statement ?your search is over thank you for choosing Hickory Lake?. After the problems and exasperation of having to call everyday and beg for good customer service, I feel that my searched should have continued and anyone that I come in contact with that is searching for a new place to call home my, advice to them is to stay away from Hickory Lake apartments.

I feel that this complex is responsible for providing a safe, clean, and pest free environment. I also feel that the apartment should strive to provide good customer service in response to maintenance problems in a timely manner. Due to the entire dilemma I have had to endure since moving into your complex, I am requesting compensation because my rights have been violated. This apartment community has failed to provide me with a quality living environment. Your immediate attention and response to my concerns will be greatly appreciated.

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