I made the mistake of moving in here last year. I don't usually write reviews, but my extreme dissatisfaction with this community leaves me no other choice.

I have been confronted with roach infestations, mice infestations, terrible noise (the rotting wood in the apartment above mine/ceiling), an extremely poor parking situation, an incompetent staff that refuses to acknowledge your concerns let alone return calls.

I must admit, that if you have a basic maintenance request, it is possible that your call will be addressed quickly, but if your situation requires real work, forget about it. You will be another lost call. Get ready to fight if you want to live here, you'll truly regret the decision you made, just as I did.

The rent constantly increases (for month to month leases, but I don't even think they offer you another lease term after your first year, so get ready for the rent hike). There are so many apartments that they can't rent, don't let them fool you into thinking there is only one or two apartments available, there are vacant apartments all through the community.

The property manager is not skilled enough for the job, the staff revolves constantly (office staff, maintenance is pretty consistent).

The parking is quite poor, if you don't believe me, just drive through the community at night. If you are like me and either work at night or go to school at night, get ready for long and unsafe walks to and from your car because parking scarce, not to mention the fact that there are several residents with as many as 5 and 6 cars who refuse to park them elsewhere. I haven't seen a tow truck in months, unless you park in a reserved space, at which the resident has the right to specifically call the tow company on you (didn't happen to me, but I've seen it time and time again). People and there guests will double park and block you in. I've waited as long as thirty minutes for someone to move his car so that I could leave the parking lot.

The roaches are plentiful, and I've had my unit treated extensively as many as 3 times in a 4 month period. This is the fun process in which you remove everything from your kitchen and bathroom (yes, everything) in order to have your unit sprayed with toxic chemicals in order to force the roaches out. Unfortunately, many of the fixtures are so old, that the roaches live in the wood cabinets and feed on old glue, so they don't need to come out to eat your food (I keep an immaculate apartment) You'll find roaches in your books, clothing and just cruising through the apartment at the most inconvenient times.

Some units are better than others. Some boast of new windows, new cabinets and new carpet, but probably because you will have some other problem, like extreme noise or neighbors that play music loudly. Remember, they know the community better than you do, so before you rent here, think twice. If I could do it all over again, believe me, I'd move to an affordable housing community in Silver Spring or somewhere else in Montgomery County. Your car insurance will be high, the neighboring schools are not the best, and you'll wish you could break your lease.

Drugs and loitering can be a problem, though mild compared to some I've seen. There was a shooting/murder on the community recently. The office is good about keeping residents informed of the crime affecting the community, but wouldn't you rather not have that experience at all' Sure "it is 2008 and crime has no address", but they aren't shooting openly in all apartment communities, so what are we doing wrong Gateway' Should we be paying for some police surveillance or maybe security guards/courtesy officers'

The good news is that they offer you a 30 day satisfaction guarantee, too bad the problems usually don't get out of control until about day 90 of your lease term. Good luck and take my advice, Gateway is falling apart, the corporate office doesn't care, so why should the rental office' I'll be checking this thread, so post any questions that you may have. Also, I have recordings of the noise the ceiling in my apartment makes; I'll be willing to email it to anyone who'd like to hear it first hand.

I am working my hardest to bring some real time attention to this community. We don't deserve the poor service they give us as residents, and they should atleast allow us the option to get out if they can't meet our needs as promised. See Southern Managments list of promises (that they break all day long at Gateway Gardens) http://www.southernmanagement.com/about/commitment.cfm#satisfaction

By the way, all Southern Communities aren't bad, but I certainly won't rent at another one!

User Responses
From: happyrenter114	Date: 01/04/2008
WHAT????? You've got to be kidding me! I've lived here for over six years and have NEVER experienced anything even close to your exaggerated review. I believe some people will say any and everything out of spite...probably because you've dogged your apartment and now expect Gateway to pick up the slack. I swear some people are so trifling! For one the office staff has been nothing but pleasant and cooperative and I have not seen one roach the entire time I have been here. Secondly, it sounds to me as though you probably keep a dirty home if everytime you turn around your apartment has to be exterminated. Please remember you cannot expect your community to kiss your butt if you haven't washed it
From: Anonymous	Date: 01/04/2008
Thank You. I really appreciate your honesty because I am...was heading that way on tomorrow, Jan. 5, 08 to fill out my parerwork. Now I guess not.
From: aptlovers	Date: 01/05/2008
well anonymous since u hate it that much i say you move but why sit on apt ratings and drag gateway down to write such a long drawn out review you feel pretty strongly about it sounds to me like u should break your lease but dont belittle gateway because you want your way !! now is that ignorant or credible enough for you !!! good luck at the next apt complex you move to i hope when they piss you off you dont drag there name down in the mud too
From: Fair-Chance	Date: 01/05/2008
I completely agree witht he original poster, and posted my own review about three years ago under the name Fair-Chance. As you can see, if I would still hate the place so much after moving away for three years, it must have been terrible. If only this poster read my review before moving to this forsaken property.
From: Anonymous	Date: 01/10/2008
Dear Aptlovers-- Breaking a lease improperly can damage your rental and credit history, but thank God my lease is up soon and I'm on my way to a community that is managed a little more appropriatly, where I will rent for a year and then buy a home. I hope that Gateway treats you well, I would hate for you to also end up giving them a bad review because "want your way" when they refuse to fix something for you. One day you'll learn that apartment communities DO have a responsibility to maintain the apartments they make us pay for. But hopefully, you don't ever end up with the short end of the Property Management stick. Also, you should be advised, that I speak from knowledge and experience. I myself have worked in this industry and several of my peers and colleagues continue to do so. So next time, know that you may be talking to someone who is a little more educated on a subject than you are. This will be the end of our conversation, since I have no desire to entertain your passion for foolishness any longer. Fair-Chance, I wish I'd read your review before moving in as well:-) Peace and Blessings
From: Anonymous	Date: 01/14/2008
I find it hard to believe that some people can have such a bad expierence and some can live so wonderfully in the same complex. And the fact that a second reviewer who no longer lives in this communittee agrees lets me know that there is some truth to this review. Thank-you anonymous for saving me a year of unhappiness. I was actually on hold with the rental agent to make an appt to come out on Saturday. I will continue to look elswhere and wish you happiness in your future home. Sounds like you deserve it after what you have been through.

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