I originally moved to Countryside 4 years ago. I was here when Charles E Smith owned the complex. The staff was courteous and friendly. I understand they are not my friends, however human kindness is expected when doing business. Archstone purchased the complaex about a year year and a half later. Alittle more business, but still courteous enough. They were not as organized as Smith though. Finally Alliance purchased the complex. Never have I been treated so rude!

When originally researching apartments in the Palatine area, Countryside was one of the best. They had high ratings and very little crime was reported there. I figured it would be worth it to spend a couple hundred more to live in a better complex then such on Rand and Dundee. Basically, I did not want to live with white trash...and to keep the riff-raff away, they charged a couple hundred more.

I lived by quiet neighbors who were friendly and kind. Unfortunately Alliance has driven all of these nice people/consumers away with their rudeness and inconsiderate attitudes.

Now, I have played by their rules which is not a big deal. Heat is free which I would expect since the sliding glass doors leak like sives! Parking is free, but others who have commented on this message board are coorect when they say it is not well lit. And yes, most lights are burned out. Inow have to pay for water which is minimal...it is only around 7.00 - 10.00. But when Alliance came in they started to add little charges here and there. When asking what their 3.00 service charge per month was, they said that was for handling my check.

I moved from a 2 bedroom to a 1 bedroom last August. (I was paying almost 1400.00 for a 2 bedroom) When I I was looking at the one bedrooms, I was told that I would have a washer and dryer in my unit and a remodeled kitchen. One week later I was told that unit was no longer available. I could have the base model...no washer dryer and no renovated kitchen for the same price. I thought that was strange and tried to argue, but management did not budge. Also, since I had signed for the apartement (the unavailable apartement), I was tied to that contract. I could give them vacate notice, but I would be penalized 3 months rent.

On moving day, my air conditioning was broken (It was August). Management told me it would not be fixed for 8 working days. I also told them that my buzzer did not work. I could buzz guests in, but they could not hear me when I tried to talk with them in the vestibule. Roger came to fix it. He came 4 times and it is still not fixed. He kept telling me it was fine. I finally had him stand in the vestibule. I was trying to speak with him through the speaker in my apartment. He did not answer me. When I went to the vestibule, he said he could hear me just fine. He didn't feel like answering me though. He also told me to stop having my guests visit because they punched/vandalized the buzzing unit in the vestibule. He said he would have me kicked out. Unfortuately, it was not my guests vandalizing the building. I called the office to tell management how rude Roger was to me, but they didn't really care. A few days later I received a letter informing me it was time to renew my lease. Keep in mind, I just moved in. I called Kathy the manager and she said it must have been delived to the wrong address. I said no Kathy, this renew letter has my name and address on it. She kept lying to me and finally said uhh, I guess we screwed up...and I wonder how I lost the apartment with the washer and dryer.

I am a thirty something with a good career in management. I make good money and pay my rent on time. I am quiet and do not cause problems. When I have an issue though, I do appreciate the same common courtesy. Take care of my issue, and do not act like that I am interupting your leisure day with an issue I am having in my apartment. I HAVE TO LIVE HERE! Apartment living is communal living. There are a lot of things you have to grin and bear. Common courtesy is expected though.

After 4 years, I am building a townhouse. I close in August and get to say good-bye to this place. Although I will miss my 12 minute commute to Schaumburg, I am happy to be leaving Countryside for good.

Would I recommend this complex' Maybe a few years ago, but now' Not on your life!

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