AFTER I submitted the application, my deposit, and application fee, I got the lease agreement stating that I had to have renter's insurance. When I called about this, ----- (asst mgr) said that ALL tenants currently have it (doubtful), that I had to have it to move in. NO ONE told me about having to buy a renter's insurance policy when I was in the office nor was it on any of the application papers given to me. Now, if I choose to go to another complex, they have my deposit. If I had known, I would have gone to another complex that was 15 miles out of town but $400/mth less than what they are charging me for the same square footage. That place had a pool. When I complained about not being informed, management offered to refund my deposit but NOT the application fee. I made a commitment to host an international exchange student from Denmark and have already made arrangements for her to attend the local high school. Her student visa hinges on this so I am in a dilemma and cannot find another place as she will be here in 4 weeks. If YOU are thinking about moving in here, think twice! It does seem that the unhappy postings on this site about this place may be TRUE.....that the management is not honest.

I am moving into a 3-bedroom but was only shown the model 2-bedroom. Let's see how it goes......Look for other postings from me to keep you updated.

User Responses
From: AsstProfessor	Date: 07/15/2008
I find it interesting that your response to my posting came just 20 minutes after I posted this. Do you work for Halstead Apts?
From: Anonymous	Date: 07/15/2008
Let me respond AsstProfessor comment: "what would they do if a tenant causes damage to the unit? What is the carpet or drywall was damaged? If that happens, they can make a claim against your Renter's Insurance Policy to pay for the damage." I dont know what Insurance company AsstProfessor works for but this comment is way off the mark. Renters insurance in the industry is often called a "contents policy". For this reason it only covers the policy holders belongings and guest medical. No renter policy covers damage to carpet, or dry wall or other for that matter any other irresponsible actions of the occupant. Look it is important that you have renters insurance. Why because if you don't you'll be SOL becasue Halstad or it's management company is not and will not cover your loss. Here is the real reason why apartment buildings require this sort of insurance. It's all about liability. If your guest falls in your apartment and gets hurt, you're policy covers their medical expenses. Even if the guest were walking just outside of your apartment and they got hurt, you are still responsible. In the event that you do not have coverage or are under insured, Halstad and their liability carrier may have some exposure. I to am a renter at Halstead. I also agree with last posting that people need to take responsibility for their actions, including following the parking rules, paying rent and being respectful of other residents. I would however add that since Halstead was sold to the management firm, the conditions of the complex have changed and not all for the good. I agree that the office staff are often less than helpful, and for the most part pretty rude. But really this is no big deal - you only need to interact with the office staff on an as needed basis. Really, if you pay your rent, park where you should, and focus on the quality of your own life there is really no reason to complain about this apartment complex. The apartments are well maintained and repairs or routine maintanence has never been an issue. Life has been good at Halstead and one thing I personally like is the diversity of ages and people in my court area. You have to balance the good with the bad regardless of where you live.
From: Anonymous	Date: 07/16/2008
I don't understand what all the fuss is over .... I've lived here for over 3 years. The old company required renter's insurance, this company requires renter's insurance, I can only assume the next company will require it also. I have not personally noticed a change - the person who leased me my apartment still works in the office and always says hi when she sees me. Now, she doesn't knock on my door every night and read me a bedtime story, but I wouldn't call her rude for that. Maintenance has always responded right away, and I have never found anyone working there to be rude .... AND it's the same people working there that worked there before. BUT, I do agree with the comment above that it is diverse, well maintained and no matter where you go there will be good and bad.
From: Anonymous	Date: 07/30/2008
Hi AsstProfessor. I am the same person that responded to you 20 minutes after your comment was posted. Last year I visited this website for the first time and posted a review about my experience in living here. I signed up to be alerted by email anytime someone writes a comment about Halstead. I did that because it interests me to know what my fellow neighbors are writing. At my office when I receive an email a little box flashes on my screen. I usually open my emails right away if I'm on the computer when I get one. Like I said previously, I work for an insurance company, NOT for Halstead or their management company. Someone else responded to your comment and said that my explanation of why Halstead wants all of their tenants to have renter's insurance was not right. My response was 100% accurate in case you care. Not only does renter's insurance cover your belongings (or "contents"), but it also covers you for many other things. In regards to liability, if any tenant does cause damage to their unit ir any other unit, Halstead would most likely put in a claim through the company that insures all of the buildings. That company may, in turn, decide to "subrogate" to the unit owner's personal renter's insurance policy - thus putting in a liability claim. That is what liability protection is. It really is peace of mind for you to have. So stop being bitter, and just enjoy living here! If you can afford to live in Halstead, you can afford $$8.33 a month for renter's insurance!

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