I AM FINALLY OUT AND IT WAS A NIGHTMARE. I STILL GOT THE SHAFT BUT I AM GOING TO FIGHT. It is essential that you do your research before moving into any place, these few steps will help you make a sound decision in regards to Chesapeake Glen Apartments. 1) Go on the weekend observe how many moving trucks are packing up...as the leaving tenants "Why are they leaving'" 2) Talk to as many neighbors as possible prior to moving in or signing a lease. 3) Research the crime in the area. There's quite a bit there!!! 4) Shop around and know that everything that glitters isn't gold. My experience may very well be the exception to the rule, I DOUBT IT, but it's possible. Everyone from the Chesapeake Glen Office will surely know who I am by reading the experience I am about to share, because I tried my hardest to get what was only right and I emailed the exact letters minus names of associates to the Equity Residental Regional Office and the Property Office. I received nothing back from either. And so if I can help 1 just one person, a more informed consumer then my money was well spent....
Its LONG...REMEMBER MY JOURNEY BEGAN IN MARCH OF 2008...I MOVED TO THE NEW APARTMENT IN MAY 2008...

Sometime between September and October, I called my office regarding an issue with animals in the attic/vents. Office responded and according to the staff, placed squirrel traps in the attic. Remedy proved to work until a few weeks later.
Sometime in November called to report the issue of animals in the attic/vents again. Office repeated same procedure as before. Remedy proved to work until a few weeks later.
On Tuesday, January 13, 2008, call a third time about animals in the attic/vents. Spoke with the Leasing Consultant (LC) who transferred me the Maintenance Coordinator Administrator (MCA). Explained to the MCA. that I had called two previous times about the same problem and expressed my concerns about possible air contamination due to animals urinating and defecating in the vents. She showed immediate and sincere concern of the problem and stated that she would have a pest control technician place traps and clean the vents. She asked for permission regarding the technician entering my home. I granted entry into the apartment with the provision that he was out no later than 3 p.m. EST. She assured me that would be okay and our phone called ended. I receive a call from the MCA later that morning in which she stated that the technician, who happened to be on-site that day would not require entry into the apartment (he could gain access through the attic). She said that he was currently in the attic resolving the issue. I informed her that my son s health was a concern and that the next call would be to the Department of Health. She concurred.
On the afternoon of Sunday, January 25, 2009, I called again concerning the animal in the attic. I spoke with LC . I informed her that during the morning and afternoon I heard the animal once again. At approximately 4:10 p.m. EST, there was a very strong smell of something burning throughout my apartment. I proceeded to tell her that my daughter (9years old) and I had inspected every room and outlet to ensure that there wasn t a fire imminent. We discovered that the odor was coming from the ventilation system. She immediately dispatched a technician to my apartment. The technician arrived and began his investigation. He first assumed that the smell was that of burnt lint and assumed it was coming form the dryer. After I explained that I had been using the dryer all morning and the smell was strongest near the balcony door where two vents are located and in the den, he inspected the dryer anyway then proceeded to the vents. After he verified for himself that the smell was coming from the vents, he inspected the mechanical closet. Finding no problems there, he left the apartment stating he was going to inspect the attic. After his inspection, he returned and verified the presence of a squirrel like animal. He stated that he saw it run away as he entered the attic. He also went on to say that it was possible that the squirrel went into the vent, urinated or defecated, which caused the smell to be so strong at first and then fade. He stated that at the moment, he could not reach his boss and that as soon as he could he would set traps again. He told me that he and another worker had been task to set traps in the attic previously. Later that afternoon, he returned to my apartment with who I believe was his supervisor. The supervisor stated that the vents were secure and no animals could get into them. By the time they had arrived the smell had changed from a burnt smell to the smell of a wet dog. The supervisor conducted his investigation in the same manner as the tech. They observed and discussed some debris that was visible in the vents. When asked by me, what could have caused something to cause a burning smell, then hours later the smell of a wet dog, he stated that it was a possibility that an animal (squirrel) starched through the vent and caused the insulation to break free. He went on to say that he usually places a deodorizer in the vents that cause a really sweet smell, but on the day in question he wasn t driving the van that contained it. I would like to state at this time that there has never been any noticeable odor, sweet or foul, coming from my vents before January 25, 2009. It has always been neutral, odorless air. Following his statement about the deodorizer, they left.
Between 9:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. EST, Monday, January 26, 2009, I went to the leasing office of Chesapeake Glen Apartments and spoke with LC . As soon as I entered, she stated that she was just about to call me. She informed me that the team was currently enroute to my apartment building. She even pointed out the van that was driving in the parking lot. She went on to tell me that their mission was to place the traps and deodorizer. After I contested to merely just placing deodorizer and requested that the vents be properly cleaned, she ensured me that they would. I informed her that I would be making my call to the Department of Health, Maryland Housing Authority and the Center of Disease and Control in order to get help and answers regarding the situation. She pleaded with me to give the management and maintenance one last chance to rectify the problem. She informed me that she would call once all the work was done and report to me the findings. At approximately 1:10 p.m. EST, I phoned the leasing office and LC was not in. She returned my call within a half an hour and stated that there was ducked taped hanging in the vent which was believed to have been the cause of the odor. She said that there was nothing found in the vent and that the vents had been properly cleaned. She continued on stating that Glen (a technician I assume) had placed the squirrel trap and he would go back to check it within the day.
On Thursday, January 29, 2009, the smell was still present in the apartment. I call and spoke LC . I can not recall if this conversation took place on Thursday or Friday, January 30, 2009. My son was ill, as he has been since he arrived to Maryland, and I was distracted tending to him. I can contest that the call took place on one of those days. I explained to LC that the smell was still present, it had been present but barely noticeable on Wednesday and had returned to full sensory levels on sometime early Thursday morning (I noticed it before leaving for work on Thursday). She immediately transferred me to the MCA, who stated that she would consult with the Director of Maintenance who was currently not available at the moment. She told me that she didn t know what the next steps would be and that she needed guidance. She asked if I could give her time a reasonable amount of time to figure out how to resolve the issue. I told her that I would but my main concern was the safety of my children and that needed to know what was going on. She told me that as soon as she spoke to him (which would be later during that day); she would let me know the decisions. She never called back.
On Friday, January 30, 2009, I received a letter for my lease renewal that was dated 26 January 2009 and signed by the Property Manager. It led me to believe that she had no knowledge the situation.
On Saturday, January 31, 2009, I went into the leasing office of Chesapeake Glen Apartments and spoke with LC . I informed her that I could not commit to signing a renewal of my lease by 2/16/2009 if the situation in my apartment was not resolved. She inquired if the smell was still there and I told her yes. I informed her that it was so strong and sickening that I had no choice but to purchase an air purifier in order to eliminate the smell and reduce any harmful particles that my family may be inhaling. She asked if I had a receipt for the purchase and I told her yes. She said she would see about getting a reimbursement for the purifier. I asked the status of the resolution to the problem, and she informed me that she hadn t heard anything and would make a call to the MCA and find out. She couldn t immediately find the number and told me that when she spoke with her, she would call me back. I left. She didn t call. Later in the afternoon, I called her and asked the status, she said that they went up there again and found nothing. Our called ended. I called back and asked LC if there had ever been a problem with mold reported in the building. She told me no, absolutely not. She asked me where had I heard that (not why did I ask), and I told her that I had been informed such by a tenant. She stated that it wasn t true and we ended our call. Within five minutes, she called back and asked me would I be willing to transfer to another apartment. I told her I would, if they paid all the costs. I explained to her that I generally enjoyed my apartment and had no desire to move, but had to be take into consideration my health. I explained that the last time I transferred, in May, that it cost too much money and I didn t feel that I should have to pay for such a thing again, being that it s an issue with the complex and not me. She told me that they (management I assume) would pay $300. I told her that it wasn t acceptable and that I would only consider transferring if they paid all costs. She asked me how much would that be and I told her that I didn t know the cost now, but it cost me $900 or so to move from across the street. ( Green Orchard Rd). She told me that she would talk to the Property Manager on Monday and see what they could do. She informed me that she would give a call on Monday. It is currently 9:45 a.m.. EST on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 she hasn t called.

On February 4, 2009, between the hours of 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. the Property Manager phoned me at work and stated that she had been aware of the situation with the vents and that she was now in charge of the problem. She told me that she had employed contractors she normally used for roofing, dry wall and etc, to clean the vent in my unit. She made a point to mention how expensive it was and that it didn t matter to her because she was determined on solving this problem. She informed me that the contractors would go in and inspect the vents the same day (4 February 2009) and actually conduct the cleaning tomorrow (5 February 2009). It was during this phone call or another sometime in February that I believe the Property Manager and I had another phone conversation in regards to renewing my lease. I told her that I wasn t sure that I would renew it given the situation with the vents. The week following February 5, 2009, the smell in the apartment was significantly reduced almost undetectable. It returned within and week or so, I spoke to the Leasing Consulant and the MCA in regards to matter several times, who were both willing to put in service requests. I informed them each that the deodorant would suffice because I was done trying to solve the matter and it would be better for me to move, so I had no intention on renewing my lease.
On Saturday, February 21, 2009, sometime either before or after normal business hours (I can t recall), I placed a typed and signed notice to vacate into the property s office drop box. After not receiving any feedback, I called the property office and spoke with the LC . During our conversation, I explained to her that I hadn t received any feedback in regards to the letter and I asked her the status and if there were any checklists or requirements needed of me thereafter. She informed me that she had not received the letter and there was a possibility that it was misplaced. She told me that she would email me a Notice of Residents Intent to Vacate, informed me to fill it out and return it to her. I believe that this conversation took place sometime between 1 March 2009 and 8 March 2009; this is also the time frame unto which the LC sent me the email. This email has since been deleted from my account. Upon receiving the email, I completed the form, signed and believe I also turned it in on March 9, 2009. the LC was not at her desk when I arrived and Another Leasing Consulant told me it would be okay to leave it on her desk. I did. According to the property manager, I didn t turn it in until March 10, 2009, although she or her staff couldn t provide any supporting evidence of such. A few days after turning the form, I received a call from the LC , who informed me that she had received the notice, had discussed it with the Property Manager and that the original date I turned the notice in would be honored.
I did not believe that I retained a copy of the original notice to vacate because I didn t think I needed to. I have dropped payments into the box a few times and never has any been lost or misplaced .
On April 25, 2009 at 11 am a male representative from the property office conducted my move-out inspection. He examined my blinds and said they were in great condition. He informed me that the main area of concern for the property were the blinds, since so many tenants tend to destroy them. It was a growing expensive for the apartment management. He asked me what were my plans regarding the carpets and I said nothing. I explained to him that when I moved in I was told that the carpets were replaced when a tenant vacates. He informed me that was no longer the case and that they would need to be cleaned. I questioned as to why no notice was provided to tenants and he replied that he didn t know. I agreed and he went on to tell me that I would be lucky to find a cheap deal on the outside market and that the services rendered by a company the property contracted only charged around $75.00. I told him that I would choose that option since it was a reasonable price and required less hassle on my part given the fact that I only had six days notice to find, schedule, and conduct carpet cleaning. I informed him of a broken bar in the bathroom and he said not to worry about the cost was minimal.
He asked me if I intended to patch holes in the walls myself or I would pay the cost to repair them. I choose to repair them myself. He proceeded to check the rest of the apartment and then we chatted about the new home I was purchasing and the area, etc.
Near the end of his stay, we reviewed what would be charges that I would have to pay. He said that the bathroom bar would be a small fee, carpets in good shape and should run about $75.00. His last words were, You aren t looking too bad on charges; your deposit should cover it; good luck with your new place.
On April 30, 2009, I moved out, took my key to the office, spoke with the LC, asked her if there was any paperwork I needed to fill out; she told me no. I left.
On May 15, 2009, I received a call from The Asst Property Managerwho informed me that she needed my forwarding address. She told me that she had mailed a statement to my old address and that she would mail another to my current. She continued to tell me that there was a balance of $383.00 on my account (that s not including the $200.00 deposit which had already been deducted). I was livid. I asked her to explain the charges and she mentioned at $250.00 charge for the carpets and a fee for not providing a notice to vacate within 60 days. At this point, I was beyond the point of having a conversation. I explained what I was told by the LC and the Property Manager and the inspection representative, and The Asst Property Manager informed me that she would pass the information on to the Property Manager .
On May 18, 2009 between the hours of 2:00pm and 2:30pm, I called the property and asked to speak with the Property Manager . She had not been briefed on our situation and before hearing anything I had to say on the matter transferred me to The Asst Property Manager, who transferred me back to the Property Manager . the Property Manager informed that she hadn t reviewed my file and she would review it and call me back. Within three to five minutes, she returned my call. I explained to her about the fee provided to me by the inspection representative and inquired as to why it was much. Her response was, The condition of your carpets were horrible! , I interjected with a tone of disbelief and disgust, What'!!! You can t be serious!! She continued, The life span of carpets are three to five years. I have seen photos of your carpet and I was almost forced to replace them. There were stains everywhere. Once again I found myself livid. I am by no means a Bree VanDecamp or Mary Poppins, but I am by no means a poor house keeper. My carpets were in the condition that should be expected after living in an apartment for one year with a one and nine year old. After a brief shouting match, the conversation moved to the notice to vacate and the charges associated with it. She told me that I owed $306.67 for failing to submit the notice within 60 days. I explained to her over and over the situation, that I had turned it in within the appropriate time, and that her staff had misplaced it. I informed her that I recalled even her telling me that she would honor the second notice. She told me that she had never talked to me on the phone. Why I asked her if she was seriously saying that she had never talked to me on the phone, she retracted her statement. She said that she didn t recall that conversation and since I couldn t pinpoint the date and circumstances myself I dropped it. I went on to tell her that I had other evidence supporting that I had submitted the letter, one to include her employee. I argued that I shouldn t be forced to pay when it wasn t my fault her and her staff couldn t communicate and conduct proper business. She insisted that I provide a copy of the first notice. When I told her that either I didn t make one or couldn t find it, her rebuttal was something like Well I wish you would ve emailed it to me!, I have no indication that you submitted it, I am looking at the notice you submitted on March 10th and the LC is out today, but I would be more than happy to call her if you d like. Today is the final day before your balance goes to collection and I would be more than happy to provide you a copy of the bill for your carpets. I agreed to all of her actions and told her that she would hear from me later in the day.
I showed up to the property office between the hours of 3:45pm and 4:45pm. I asked to see the Property Manager , was counter questioned with the regards to my visit, and was then taken in to see The Asst Property Manager instead. I informed The Asst Property Manager that I was there to pay my balance and that it was my every intention to dispute this in small claims court. She mentioned that she had left a message at my office informing me that the balance owed on my carpet had been reduced to $95.00, because all of the stains were removable. (What a coincidence, huh')
I asked for a copy of the Notice to Vacate I submitted and was shocked to see that on it, I had indeed made very clear that I initially submitted it on February 21, 2009. (Wow! A lot of trouble to go through to be making all of this up, don t you think.) I pointed that fact out to The Asst Property Manager , and her response was as if no one even bothered to read the statement.
I also requested a copy of the carpet bill which has an ORDERED DATE 5/15/2009 and an INVOICE DATE 5/16/2009, it was created by The Asst Property Manager on 5/18/2009 at 10:43:10 approved by The Asst Property Manageron 5/18/2009 at 10:43:11 and shows no original charge to my unit of $250.00. The total for four units is $350.00. So why was my balance still $250.00 during my conversation with the Property Manager which occurred between 2:00pm and 2:30pm ,and the reduction only brought to light after a heated discussion with her, in which I informed her that I would seek legal justice.
The Asst Property Manager also supplied me with a copy of a Statement of Deposit form, which shows charges to by me to the property. This statement was not accessed or possibly printed until 2:05:57pm. Still in light of all of this, I paid the balance owed because I pride myself in maintaining a good credit score and it s a disgrace to have anything sent to collections, especially when you are in the position to pay what is claimed to be owed fifty times over. It s not about having to pay and extra $228.59 to Chesapeake Glen Apartments; I have shoes and purses worth more.
There are some extremely questionable practices occurring at Chesapeake Glen Apartments. Understand that I am not attacking individuals themselves, but the manner unto which they conduct business. I understand that they deal with a great deal of issues everyday, but it seems that their tenants are merely files and commodities; that is the wrong attitude. They may not remember every transaction and every conversation, who does' Not remembering or failing to indicate them in their system, shouldn t allow a free pass to drop frivolous charges on their tenants. I paid my rent in a timely manner, caused no disturbances and left my apartment in an acceptable condition. I only demanded the standard of living that was promised to me when I signed my lease. I have no problems paying what I rightfully owe, but I refuse to be taken advantage of just because I am the little woman, if you will.

User Responses
From: coasties_girl2	Date: 05/06/2008
I 100% agree with absolutely everything that you have said! I currently live her, moved in December 2007...havent had tooo many problems, but still there are some unacceptable things..ESPECIALLY the lack of privacy. I can hear everything thats going on. And my husband and I fight VERY rarely, but when we do, its like im sure EVERYONE knows what was going on. I can hear everything. Im on the third floor and if im in my living room, near the patio door EVEN IF ITS CLOSED I can hear everything that is going on outside..that to me is unacceptable. We are a military family,and will be getting out of the lease ASAP because I very much dislike it here. Although Maintenance has always been good, and they are always having people come in to make sure there are no bugs! I have yet to see any bugs in my apt.so I am thrilled with that! all in all, you definatly seemed to be 100% accurate in your lil posting because I pretty much have had a simular experience!
From: Anonymous	Date: 06/27/2008
Check your mattresses daily for signs of bed bugs. If you have a "newly" renovated apartment, it's because there were bed bugs in it and the office had no choice but to demolish it and rebuild. FYI, adult bed bugs can survive up to one year without feeding (sucking your blood). They are also small enough to fit underneath the lightswitch plate. I know, I've seen them THERE!! My kids and I still have nightmares about them. I would stay up all night brushing away and killing the bed bugs that were attempting to eat my child. They were on the walls, in the carpet, in my couch, I left everything I owned in that apartment when I left. The office did let me out of my lease. Because I refused to move to another apartment; I knew my building wasn't the only building affected by the bed bugs. Something I wouldn't with on my worst enemy. They NEVER should've let all those -------- in there without spraying them down with bed spray. I also want to point out, once I realized what it was, I went to the office first thing the next morning. Within days I can honestly say that I knew more about bed bugs than the office did. They did send me a bill for about $200 after I moved out. Then I received a phone call telling me it was only $10. They'll never see a penny out of me. The nerve of them, I completely blame them for it all! The -------- in my apartment building were accused of shooting a gun, the cops searched my balcony New Years Eve to see it had fallen there. They would throw Corona bottles from their balcony and watch them crash into the parking lot! One actually hit a moving car! It's disgusting. I'm now happily living in Millersville, the BEST move ever!! And yes, I keep an eye out for -------- in the area... Ha ha ha... Btw, I lived in Greentree from Feb 2004 - Jan 2007. I never had a problem before and I loved it until the -------- moved in along with their bed bugs...
From: Sleepy2008	Date: 06/29/2008
I guess perhaps it's my duty to provide an update....Since my last post, the management was kind enough to allow me to move. They seem like nice people or at least understanding. Nonetheless, I am now much more comfortable than before. Privacy, is still an issue in the living room...it is amazing how one can hear everything that's going on in your apartment. If you do have an agrument with someone, have a crying child, have "relations" with moderate noise and you're located in your living room, rest assure that it will be heard from the stairwell...at least a one floor range...if moderate. So if you're on the second floor... your business becomes public knowledge to floors 1 and 3. Luckily still...no bedbugs!!! I have taken every precaution I can think to prevent them. Mattress covers, pillows covers, wash linen weekly, spray myself every two weeks. It has proved beneficial thus far. As far as bugs, I saw a medium sided spider last night...not too serious but I am a coward when it comes to creatures. A few weeks back a batch of new born roaches appeared, but I quickly exterminated them and none have returned since. I can honestly say that it is an okay starter residence. You know the one you use to get the kinks out of your living situation...get adjusted to living with someone new (so you don't take the fights to the NICE neighborhood), break in the spoiled kids, get a feel for where you're going around the city...being located next to 100 really helps. But if you can endure forever the planes, the fights, and the much dedicated ice cream truck, then Chesapeake Glen Apartments aren't so bad. But for me it's a start. Good luck to all!!!

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