Twenty years ago, I was a student at LSU and an assistant manager (3 years) at what was then Fountainbleau/Plantation Trace. Some of the complaints listed within these reviews are echos of those back then: horrible parking (particularly for late arrivers who live in the back of what is now Highland Plantation), bad traffic (one way movement) during football games, sometimes security issues and sometimes maintenance complaints. I know these reviews along with word of mouth are your primary info sources for making a decision. Remember though, happy people rarely write positive reviews or shower management with compliments. It's just plain human nature to complain when frustrated and to accept as the norm, that which is functioning smoothly. Many people have moved into this community and others in the area, because their friends or classmates tell them how convenient/close it is to campus, the ease of bus use, the individual exit doors from each bedroom, the multiple pools and tennis courts.

Truthfully, it should not matter if you pay $500 per month or $1500, the staff are paid to be respond. Sugar is always however, going to get you more that vinager. Firm yet polite communication always carried more influence with me in the 15 plus years I remained in property management.

One note about B or C level communities (A's are high end and you know them when you see them). At student properties (usually B or C level), the reality is turnover can be as much as 80% or more at the end of each school year. Thus these communities do rapid make ready measures using builders grade supplies. Trust me when I say, every owner wants a specific return on his/her investment and you will pay even higher rents, if higher grade materials are used. That does not excuse poor service however. Also, almost all communities use "show" apartments which are never rented and are always pristine. Ask to see a vacant unit that is "rent ready" regardless if it is the type or size you're wanting. That's a great "tell" as they say in poker. If this example unit is not prepped to the standards you expect, chances are, neither will your assigned unit. Not always is that the case because for example, one renter back from the most recent occupant, may have destroyed the carpet and it is newer than that of the vacant or show unit you tour.

Just do your homework, so to speak, when researching communities and after taking possession, address the staff with the same courtesy you require. Just like the title of an old country song "Everything that Glitters is not Gold", not all things labeled badly are as bad as presented.

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