I believe this website is ideally supposed to be a place for constructive criticism and objective analysis and review for the benefit of other surfers and not for rumors and unsubstantiated innuendos, which is exactly what some are accusing other residents of doing and walking the fine line of this website's policies.

Until recently, we had been a long-time residents and, in all fairness, thought it important to put our 2 cents in here and hopefully pass along some useful information. We would give our overall experience at GG at B-. It goes without saying that it is a great location and in addition to that, prospective tenants should also consider the value (of any property for that matter) based on the floor plans, amenities, level of upkeep and ESPECIALLY the cost-per-square-foot-per-month value basis when making comparisons to other properties. We've looked and there are very few other communities similar to Garden Gate in the north metro. Of course GG could use some TLC, but what property that age couldn't these days. In the past couple of years, all the roofs were replaced and all the units' exteriors painted and new guttering installed - very costly expenditures, to say the least. Like most property owners and given current economic conditions, I'm sure the new owners are trying to maximize their profit margin to ensure their bottom line stays in the black so they don't get sideways with the bankers.

Granted, a lot needs to be done and the new owners are making improvements, although probably more slowly than most of the other residents would like, but friends that are still there tell us the newest manager is making headway in a variety of areas. As for management and maintenance staff turnover, we've lived in many complexes in different states over the years and would say it's about average for the industry and the on-site staff can only do as much as the owners will fund and allow so you can't pick on them too much, not to mention that in Oklahoma, most are woefully underpaid for the work they have to do and responsibilities placed upon them. Yes, we would agree that they need more staff, at least one or two more people. In our many years at GG, we saw 7 different managers and can't even remember how many maintenance staff - most were good people and extended courtesy and understanding when it was extended to them. Some were more efficient and attentive to the residents needs than others, of course. Speaking of maintenance, we never had too many problems to speak of, fortunately - think we put in about 6 requests the whole time we were there. Every unit is different in this respect. I would strongly suggests that any requests you make are done so in writing and you keep a photocopy signed by the receiving party. If you send an e-mail, ask for receipt acknowledgement - that way there is no dispute over whether a request was made, when it was made, and what it was for. Property management is a paperwork-intensive business and too often Post-It notes and little pieces of paper get lost in the shuffle.

I thought the utilities were reasonable based on the size of the unit and, when compared to friends with comparable sized apartments and homes were paying, actually lower. You can call the respective utility companies and they will tell you the average bills for a prospective unit if you are considering renting a place. If your water bill seems high, check your toilets for leakage. I had to replace the original mechanisms in ours and even then, had to fine tune the new valves' factory settings to stop the slight leakages. To see if your toilet is leaking, take off the tank's top and listen - even if you don't see any water running over the standpipe, listen carefully - even the slightest misadjustment on the float screw will make a faint, high-pitched noise and run up your water bill. Also, if the flapper valve is old and the rubber disintegrating, it won't create a good seal and that can be a common source of leakage and should be replaced. You can also do this: Place a few drops of food coloring in the bowl and or tank - if, after 30 minutes, the color is gone, your toilet is most likely leaking. After I fixed ours, the water bill dropped significantly. Sorry, I didn't mean to digress that much into toilet maintenance.

As for security, we never had any problems and don't know about the break-ins mentioned by another writer. I understand the new lease is quite clear that GG is not responsible for providing security lighting, gating, personnel, etc. - many places have such disclaimers these days. If your place provides them, then consider yourself fortunate. If crime or criminals in the area are of concern to you, contact law enforcement (city and or county) in that jurisdiction and inquire about them. 'Nuff said on that topic.

On one of the other writer's points, we got to know quite a few people at GG - most are retirees, post-grad students, and professionals - all super folks whom we met and overall a very, very nice community of people in my experience who tried to look out for one another. To my knowledge, we were never the object of any gossip and were never followed by anyone in a silver car, nor heard of anyone being followed or spied upon, but of course, we tried our best to be a good residents and neighbors and adhered to the property's rules and regulations, so we probably wouldn't have attracted much attention from people inclined to such activities to begin with. And besides, what neighborhood doesn't have it's fair share of such individuals' I do recall one individual who was really stirring up some of the residents, but I believe management quickly asked him to leave and he did so shortly thereafter. I'm not sure where he lived exactly or what he drove - perhaps this was the person in question. If there was someone spying on the residents, I'm sure management would ask that person to leave as well. We both recall seeing several silver cars on the property during my time there (it is usually one of the top two most popular colors, you know), including two that belonged to one of the previous managers and one to a previous maintenance man, so, I could see where one might get the impression that someone in a silver car was following people around or spying if the car was parked outside various residences all the time, which the maintenance man's and or manager's cars obviously would. But I think perhaps it would be best to get the facts before making any accusations and libelling someone's otherwise good name or reputation.

To anyone reading this board or any other boards for that matter, when choosing a domicile, I strongly suggest that you do your homework for yourself, visit properties you are considering, take a copy of the lease home, review it, and then decide. Remember, leases are binding legal contracts on all signatories - READ THEM VERY CAREFULLY and if you don't think you can live within their constraints or if you simply don't understand them - and who really does - ask for clarification, in writing, and, if necessary, consult a real estate attorney. Also, most people don't know that almost all contracts are negotiable, so don't be afraid to ask for changes. If there is a clause or are clauses that are glaringly nonsensical, they probably are and are therefore probably unenforceable (that portion). If you want the place painted or new carpet installed before moving in, etc., get it IN WRITING and insist on a pre move-in inspection (or lease cancelled if not satisfied - but have a back-up plan). And be sure to CAREFULLY fill out that move-in assessment form and note every discrepancy thoroughly. If you think your rights have been violated by management, BEFORE you withhold rent or a portion thereof, be sure you are within your rights to do so - you can read the Oklahoma Non-Residential/Residential Landlord and Tenant Acts (laws) at the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission's website in the "Publications" section. And when you move out, ALWAYS be sure a company representative accompanies you on the final walk-through inspection and if there is no damage, make sure they write, "no damage noted" and they sign and date the form and you keep a copy. You will definitely need this if there is a dispute over damages and your security deposit refund. Again, consult an attorney experienced in real estate matters if you have questions. Also on this website are some great links to resources with tips on apartment renting - look in the right-hand margin under Moving Resources, Apartment Life, OhMyApartment Blog or at the bottom of the page in each individual's review.

Don't take our word or anyone else's word for anything these days simply based on what you read here or any other websites; you can see that there isn't much general consensus about anything these days - opinions vary greatly and are subject to interpretation, even mine. Remember, we are living in an age of mediocrity and customer-no-service - we've all experienced it at some point, so be a smart consumer! If you get bad service, report it, and if you get good service, it is very important to acknowledge it was well. We all know the Internet is rife with misinformation, mean-spirited bloggers, and people with chips on their shoulders and axes to grind; try to do your part to temper the rhetoric and always be fair in your assessments. And if you made it this far in to my rant, congratulations, you are definitely a patient person and I thank you - I hope it was worth your time and some of the information helpful.

Always remember, caveat emptor!

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 05/13/2009
I wouldn't pay my worst enemy to live in this dump hole. Managers are rude and unwilling to help anyone. Just don't get on their badside, they will crap all over you!!!

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