It began as a hot scorching summer May day in 2004, temps. ran about 100 degrees outdoors but inside my new intended unit was 90 plus. Paid two extra days to move in and air conditioner unit did not work (new unit after flooding came August 2004), sliding glass door did not close/lock and the empty unit was filthy! There was urine in the toilet(seat up), a cigarette butt and ashes. I found food, dishes, spilled kool aid, peanut butter & jelly in and on cabinet doors, dishwasher was broke, fridge smelled of sour milk and MICE droppings in various places - more so under the kitchen sink w/a trap still sitting. I sat angry in my squelching, filthy new apartment for hours wondering what I was entering into. All the family and friends I had ready to help me move in that afternoon/early evening were given a telephone call that it will not happen today (money wasted again, w/moving company also). My nightmare began the day I gave money (mind you paid for 2 additonal days) and received keys. What I've endured from day one until present December 2006 would become an apartment stay-away novel. The claim is that low-income/welfare tenants are not honored here...but the conditions and how others' treat this property (especially the hallways tells another story). Slamming doors constantly that will shake your unit, trash, the smell of mariguana and new past odor in 2005 "CRACK" in the hallways, loud talking, heavy walking, MICE (see or catch one at least once a month since August 2004 - except when I had a cat for about 5months). False advertising on STORAGE (its a refuge for nasty tenants, evictions and the lazy porters/maintenance crew). Note: last year many of the perverted, thieving & lazy maintenance crew were fired. I stopped using the laundry rooms which is suppose to be the advertised storage facility - large wired mesh boxes exposing ALL(got tired of wiping off MICE droppings from the top of dryers, and wondering if any one/thing will jump out at me or if the roaches/waterbugs are going to get into my laundry bags). The hallways in any building can have graffiti, trash, peeled paint (watch your babies!), loose railings, broken mailboxes, odors beyond.
We were given promises that all that was neglected with Pelham Woods would change with Towson Crossings. I am a witness that nothing has changed...waiting for the day that my warped hard wood floors will have my child, visitor or myself crashing down into my neighbor below. Or should I walk out onto my balcony and hope that one of the metal awning tiles that remain not fall and slice & dice me, or the weather beatened wood planks separate - or stand in the corner of the porch and hope that the drain holds up for another day. It becomes a major waiting game here...but remember for those who are even considering RENT IS DUE BY THE 5TH OF EACH MONTH BEFORE 5:00 P.M.
Dare you to call for an EMERGENCY, EXTERMINATOR...There is such a large exodus here its ridiculous...and the thought of paying $880.00 or more to have a washing machine/dryer compact (reducing kitchen space & closing a wall) and possible cheap carpet - that's the renovation. Do not let the beautiful model apartment and landscape fool you. If anyone was to ride past or visit the other apartment buildings (other than the model on Dowling Circle). Reality would be faced! Having worked for Housing Authority in the early 80's AKA "The Projects" Lafayette, Flag House, etc., I've seen better hallways, less trash and less chipped paint. I saw better conditions there and the tenants were considered lower-income. No one should have to endure the unnecessary "talked too" and just being pushed under the rug when you are paying your rent and trying to maintain your home.
The ironic conclusion I live on the top floor - paying more rent!
Note II: Phone calls, letters, faxes, e-mails are a waste of time - will only receive silence on the other line, "please hold", he/she is not available - constant pacifying your complaint. lGjq8RUBjvsZjkb5ueji

User Responses
From: RoseDena	Date: 06/26/2008
Well, my saga finally ended! I am the author of Absolute Regret! Not only did I endure hell for my duration on Deanwood; had the audacity to move into the so-called actual "model apartment" for Towson Crossings Apartments on Dowling Circle(for ONE YEAR!). Move-in May 2007 and move-out May 2008!! The day before I officially moved in I met who would be my next door neighbor (she moved in one month before me). Mentioned how in the month of April 2007 she caught 6-7 mice - in just one month that is absolutely nasty!! I was absolutely scared too death for realization of what I was about to face. Second day: water bugs running across my kitchen floor, 2nd week: mice, roaches and crickets...all in all I'm on the top floor, $880.00 plus water, sewage and garbage with no utilities, etc., included. Have actually stepped out of my bed in the morning and stepped on a darn cricket! It was like living in the darn woods - Wild Kingdom or just a bunch of free loading pests of all varieties. I know many are in the situation of not being able to afford a move, in my case and old neighbor (children are enrolled in the neighboring schools). Take the time to seriously consider your options and most of all a "Peace of Mind". I was so tired of tip toeing, too embarrassed to invite family or friends over. When I received my renewal letter March 2008 that gave me fifteen (15) days to decide to renew or vacate and all that was required of me to do before moving out. Which included replacing light bulbs, clean this and that, the list went on - totally shocked and angered me! Then the response received from (name will not mention, its been mentioned enough lol) of how "by this time most tenants know if they are staying or moving". That was the only response this person could give a tenant who constantly begged, pleaded, called, faxed, took pictures, emailed, etc., for things to be repaired, fixed, cleaned, corrected, etc., just basically wasted money each month renting from uncaring slum lords. From April, until I moved I had no air conditioner at all, the fan didn't even work. No matter, the attitude some may have of the remaining Maintenance Personnel; there was only one that cared enough for my daughter and I discomfort with a thermostat reading 92 degrees in the evening to supply us with two fans. I'm in a happier place - did my walk-thru with a maintenance man and they have been on the job! I've actually had respectful conversations with the Property Manager - they've called me (wow!). Complained last Friday about my slide screen is off the track, came home from work - wasn't bandaged...the frame was fixed and a new darn screen. All that I've asked for in my three weeks and based on my check-in has been takened care of, as it should be. Sure, I pay $12.00 extra a month - but I have 2 bedrooms and a den, a pool, alarm system, panic button in my bedroom, more convenience, and what a beautiful serene view from my balcony (not the parking lot or dumpsters)just spacious all around. Guess what! I'm in the City....

Your thoughts? Post a response to this review. Display my response: with my username anonymously Responses appear below reviews and one response per user is permitted.

   Free estimates on moving trucks      Find apartment share/roommates