We decided on the Elms at Germantown after looking at several complexes in the area. The Elms was a new community and offered a "move in special". The model apartment (they only had the nicest and most expensive floor plan available to see) was gorgeous. When we were looking they asked what were the most important feature to us and we said privacy, a decent view, and second floor. After signing the papers we decided to walk over and see where our apartment would be (even after they told us we couldn't) only to find out that it faced the parking lot, not very private or a good view. They told us that was the only one they had or we would have to get a different style (aka spend more money). We agreed and moved in a month later. Upon moving in, afer being told that the apartment was on the second floor, it was in fact on the third floor. They have what they consider "basement apartments" which they don't actually consider as levels. Not too exciting when you are moving all your furniture on your own. There were several issues with the apartment including the fact that it was dirty (yes, brand new, but dirty). It had never been swept or vacuumed and the bathroom still had construction debris in it. When we told the managment office the girl told us "Well I would think that when you move into an apartment you would want to clean it yourself anyway"!) Not exactly the answer I was looking for. There were also several other issues that were never taken care of and after 5 months we have just given up. The parking set-up is terrible. The parking lots are too small and even without all the apartments being full, it becomes difficult to find parking. I'm very concerned it will become an even bigger issue once they are at full occupancy. I was a bit concerned that they didn't run a background check on tenants (including myself). As far as safety concerns go, I'm still very nervous that the apartments only offer a very small lock on the front door so I am going to have a deadbolt added for additional security (whether or not that is acceptable, I don't know or care). For the most part the apartment is nice. However, I was a little nervous when we were issued a letter saying we couldn't use our balconies for at least 45 days due to a construction issue and that they needed to be resecured. It also said that they had "no further information regarding the matter". For over $1,300 a month it doesn't exactly make me feel safe EVER sitting on my balcony again.

User Responses
From: angelysty	Date: 04/24/2006
wow...sounds kinda bad... I tried to get these apartments, but things didn't work out and I got another apartment. We put in a refund request (reservation fee) and have had a very hard time getting a reason why we have not received our money yet. It has been over a month and a half and we have yet to see our money. Every time we call they are dumbfounded and cannot give me a reason. The office staff has an attitude and treats us like we are lower than them and honestly i'm not sure they know what they are doing. The illusive assistant manager or manager has not even contacted us and I have a hard time getting in contact with them. The Elms seems like they do not know what customer service is.

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