On or about 10/11/2006, I completed and returned an application for an apartment at 4423 N Sheridan Rd., Apt 1002, Chicago, IL. 60640. Along with the application, I mailed Wilmette Real Estate two money orders: One for an application fee of 40.00 and the other for a 350.00 rental deposit. I was told the apartment would be ready on 11/1/2006.

On 11/1/2006, I flew from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago to discover that the apartment was NOT ready! I found the people in the leasing office to be quite disturbing. There was a polish woman with a thick accent, whom I could barely understand. And, sitting in the same room directly behind me, was a large, roguish polish man who spoke no English. The office smelled of musty armpits. Twice I almost gagged! The stench was so strong, I could smell it longer after I left Chicago, but I digress...

The woman in the leasing office told me that the apartment would not be ready for a couple of days! She tried to convince me to stay in another apartment until my unit was ready. Initially, I felt I had come to far to turn around. So, I entertained the thought and agreed to see the apartment. So, the lady in the leasing office gave me the keys and off I went.

Shock and horror! Complete shock and horror! The substitute apartment was beyond filthy, smelled of human urine, the carpet had not been vacuumed since the previous tenant (I know because I could see the outline of the mattress that had lain there before), there was snot and what appeared to be blood smeared across the walls, the telephone jack had been ripped out of the wall, and the lock on the door was so loose, I could have sneezed and torn the door off its hinges! After viewing this insult to a crack house, I almost tripped over my suitcases trying to get the hell out of there. I shot down the rusty dilapidated elevator, asked for my deposit back and caught the next plane home!

On 11/2/2006, I called Wilmette and spoke with the division manager and his boss. I asked them to return my money. Wilmette agreed to do so. In fact, I still have the message the division manager on my cell phone, agreeing to return my deposit. I was told that my deposit would arrive no later than Wednesday, 11/8/2006. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is!

On 11/9/2206, no deposit! No return! So, I called the division manager back. He stated that my check was sent via certified mail on 11/3/06. I asked Mr. Congeniality if the mailing included my apartment number. He stated that he didnt think it did. Then he went on to say that it shouldnt make difference and proceeded to get nasty with me. He flat out told me that he didnt care I ever got my money back and asked me not to call again! How rude!

Instead, I called Wilmette back and the left a detailed message for their attorneys. I vowed to take legal action if my money was not returned. I graphically outlined my intentions because I wanted them to know just how prepared I was to raise hell and flip it over, to get my money back! Then I tracked down Wilmettes accountant. She had no knowledge of my refund. In fact, she had no record of ever receiving my deposit or application fee. Mmmm, the plot thickens! I gave the accountant all the necessary information to track down my payments. Then I called the division managers boss and left another message for her. And, of course, she NEVER called me back. My next call was to my attorney.

After a week of verbal/legal sparring, I finally got my deposit back. I should not have been this difficult. I sincerely hope that any one considering renting from Wilmette Real Estate will reconsider after reading my story! If not, I hope you like it rough and with no lube, because thats how you are going to get it from these people!

User Responses
From: bigroomnowindows	Date: 11/19/2006
On or about 10/11/2006, I completed and returned an application for an apartment at 4423 N Sheridan Rd., Apt 1002, Chicago, IL. 60640. Along with the application, I mailed Wilmette Real Estate two money orders: One for an application fee of 40.00 and the other for a 350.00 rental deposit. I was told the apartment would be ready on 11/1/2006.
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/10/2007
I am so glad for your so honest opinion but all that that you wrote is not true becuse I live in building myself for more then 3 years now.On site staff is nothing but nice,building is really well taken care of and on site staff is always there for you.
From: bornagainsinner	Date: 09/11/2007
stupid comment: From: Anonymous Date: 09/10/2007 I am so glad for your so honest opinion but all that that you wrote is not true becuse I live in building myself for more then 3 years now.On site staff is nothing but nice,building is really well taken care of and on site staff is always there for you. my response: how do you know if what this person wrote was true or not? do you work for wilmette? were you responsible for returning this person's deposit? are you the one that lied about the date the apt would be ready? are you psychic? do you own a FN crystal ball? get the fvck outta here! ho! this place is crap and you know it! you are just trying to rent apts. winter time is coming and you are doing whatever you can to trick people into moving into this gang and roach infested dump! right now you would say or do anything for a dollar!

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