I've lived at Top of the Hill Apartments since 2003. Since I've been here I have seen more property management teams than you can imagine; the team that is in there now is one that needs to go as well. Since I've been here I have hardly ever needed anything from the community management office or maintenance, but as of late, they have showed their true colors when dealing with tenants. They appear to have things under control, but that's a disguise.

I have been having issues with rodents for the last three months and they have been slow in responding. I occasionally saw them on the grounds but never in my apartment until now. Mice and I can not and will not co-reside in an apartment together! The convenience of living right next door to the trash chute room has its pro's and con's and this is unfortunately a huge con. Unfortunately the management office has done little by way of handling the situation. The fact that this community manager is a snob doesn't help. The only alternative he could think of was for me to move. ...nice right'

Also, I know that no neighborhood is the picture of perfection when it comes to security, but the neighborhood is sadly deteriorating. The run-down condos next door to us is the center of a lot of the foolishness we experience. Crime is not THAT bad, but it exists. I'm appreciative that we are promptly notified anytime there has been a disturbance or issue of any kind within the community or in the immediate vicinity. I'm relieved to say that I can count on my hands the number of memorandums that I've received which were related to some type of mayhem, since 2003. BUT, lately en route to the Metro station there have been more prostitutes and johns than I care to see in one setting. Seeing someone picked up for a "blow and go" while I'm on my way to work is not how i want to start my morning. A neighbor said that he had even been propositioned one morning.....doesn't that just sound yummy' The flip side is that you always have the option of catching the bus, which is conveniently right across the street.

Having said that, I used to enjoy living here, but i guess good things must come to an end. It probably wouldn't be so bad if the community management team wasn't so fake and unwilling to help. When at one time i would refer people i knew, i wouldn't even consider that.

Here is my list of things to watch out for:


1. Recent mice infestation in apartments
2. Deteriorating neighborhood
3. Reduction of included amenities (no longer "all included")
4. Expect your rent to go up $20-$30 every year after your first year.
5. Lack of storage space (learn to conserve or make good use of your coat closet)
6. Building entry doors being broken by ignorant tenants (happens too freakin often)
7. Lack of a play area for children (those kids should not be playing in the parking lot...no matter how bad they are)
8. Laundry machines are broken or out of service too frequently
9. Elevator delay's (either it takes a while to come or takes too long to open when you try to exit)
10. Snow/ice removal (it's murder trying to get out of the parking lot if you're on foot...I have slid into a few cars during the winter)
11. Towing (those boys are ruthless and stay on their J.O.B.; quite frankly, I don't know if this is a pro or con....Just make sure your ride has a tag at ALL times)
12. Grounds are always neat and clean, and the cleaning staff is friendly. (but if those bammas move my doormat one more time, someone is getting a tongue thrashing)
13. Office staff is unresponsive and phony. They will only acknowledge you if they deem it important.

User Responses
From: bigreddz	Date: 04/16/2008
I am amused by your pros and cons because I feel you on the door mat being moved. I would understand the con of being by the trash shute. I on the other hand am by the laundry room so I dont have mice but I do sometimes have water from one of the broken laundry machine. You are absolutely right the staff is awesome. It would be good if we could pick our neighbors but that would be a perfect world. I havent had any issues with towing (thank God). It would be nice if the water bill was included but my bill runs about 20$ monthly so not too bad.... I am thinking about moving from the bottom floor one bedroom to a higher up two bedroom (I wonder how the view is) Any way I have faith in Brian and trying to clean up the neighborhood with the things that he has control over....
From: Anonymous	Date: 05/21/2008
I havent had any problems with the staff, but the mice situation is out of control, I was moved from one building to the next and told it didnt have mice, obviously NOT......as far as the view of the complex goes, I dont enjoy watchin crack heads wonder in and out, whores or any other mischief that goes on over here...thats all the view will intell :-( Hopefully they will get it in order, the apts are really cute but the scenery and the problems with rodents is terrible.
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/21/2008
Hi Tenant, you said - "BUT, lately en route to the Metro station there have been more prostitutes and johns than I care to see in one setting. Seeing someone picked up for a "blow and go" while I'm on my way to work is not how i want to start my morning". Guess what, I called and WROTE P.G. County Livable Communities, Jack Johnson, 7 On Your Side, and Councilmember Camille Exum about the prostitution and about the noise at DANNY's across the street. The area where the prostitutes hand out - Between the two gas stations, is supposed to be part of Kay Management's property??? Don't know how true that is, but I've gotten several responses back from the County and that they are working on seizing that property as well as a stretch of Branch Avenue for repairs. Also, a part of St. Barnabus Road is supposed to be seized by the county for community development! I wish they hurry up with that!! But seriously guys, sure we need good customer service from our Management Company, but we as tenants have to do our part too. I don't know how many times I have witnessed people exiting their cars and throwing their McDonalds bags and cups right onto the parking lot floor, and loose trash on the floor of the trash compactors! What I don't like is that Management does not correct that the ground maintenance keep the trash compactor clean and clear of trash piling up!!!
From: Anonymous	Date: 11/15/2008
First of all, girl learn how to communicate effectively. The office staff is magnificent and if you don't like it...I agree with the manager MOVE. You need a house because your demands are outrageous. You have to remember that you are in a apartment and the manager has to manage the community accordingly. You are not the only person that lives there, he has so many other residents as well. If you have to vent on the internet then something is wrong!!!! have a great day ahouseisnotahome!!
From: ahouseisnotahome	Date: 11/18/2008
You have serious issues. You MUST be from the management office. I have just as much right to post my opinions and/or comments just as you do. The fact that you even have the audacity to post this nonsense, shows that something is wrong with YOU...now get a life.

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