I moved into my "newly renovated" apartment this fall to discover that nothing was complete. Appliances had not arrived, no faucets, no toilet or shower installed, raw wires hanging from would-be outlets and light switches - basically floors and walls. They claimed they wrote my move-in date incorrectly for the contractor.

However, when pressed for assistance in ensuring the repairs were done immediately, they claimed it wasn't their fault and treated me as though I was bothering them by even asking. After we worked up the management chain a bit and got on a first-name basis with the contractor on the property to push for the repairs, we had some hope.

After almost a week of living in a construction zone (the first night I had to spend in a hotel), almost all of the work was done and I could rest easy. After three weeks, I finally have everything completed. My apartment is spacious and attractive, and I am starting to really enjoy living here.

In the meantime, however, I learned of at least two other residents that have gone through the same ordeal - none of us were informed prior to our showing up to move in that our apartments were incomplete at all, and we were given the exact same story.

Although my new apartment is nice on the inside, I am upset because I feel that I was intentionally misled and jerked around by the management company - even made to feel that I was being rude for asking them to help me in making sure the repairs were completed as soon as possible so I could start school on time. They were in a frustrating spot, I understand - but to make the tenant feel guilty for wanting a finished apartment seems unreasonable.

On a side note(s):

Although there is a giant empty parking lot (on a side of the building with little access) at the moment, we are only allowed one visitor pass per apartment (not per tenant). That's frustrating, since I have a study group that can't meet at my house unless they all carpool.

The pool is not lit and does seem a bit sketchy, although I haven't noticed any notices about it being condemned by the city, as one post mentions :)

The A/C units are old-fashioned coil systems that can hardly keep up with the heat - their only function is "on" or "off." We have "pretend" thermostats but no compressor to keep COLD air (just cool) coming into our apartments for a steady temp. The comments about shared bills scares me to death - I haven't had my first bill yet.

The plugs in the 1-bedrooms are 120v for a stackable washer/dryer. Although I was told I could RENT a stackable, virtually no one even manufactures a stackable washer/dryer that will operate on such low voltage (most are 240v this century). I had to PURCHASE outright a unit from Sears, for almost $1000, since they're the only company in Austin that even makes them anymore. That, plus the fact that I had to stay in a hotel, really off-set the not-quite-two-weeks free rent they gave me for my trouble in all this.

I like the complex itself and the residents, but I'm crossing my fingers that I don't have any reason to have to go into the office ever again, if I can help it (some of them were nice, but you only end up remembering the awful moments). The maintenance guys and contractor know me by name and are very helpful, so I go to them if I'm really in a bind for something non-office related.

I would really recommend extending your search if you are thinking about moving in here. I am really nervous about the next 11 months.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/18/2007
From what this guy tells me he should have picked an apartment that was not in the process of a remodel. Come on what does he expect. I looked at the model and can not wait until the property re-hab is done. This guy needs to get a grip...
From: Anonymous	Date: 02/12/2008
Clearly, you do not live here....otherwise you would understand where this person is coming from. What does he expect?????.....how about some integrity from a contractural aggreement and management. Perhaps a finished unit that is habitable, running water, heat/ac, appliances, etc; you know, the basics. Unless you are a 17-year-old who does not care what your apartment is like because your parents are the ones paying for it anyway then, you're right, these things are not a big deal. Can't wait until you move into your "model" apartment...

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