Worst experience ever. I lived here last year and was finally forced out due to mold. We had MASSIVE amounts of black mold growing throughout our air ducts because the A/C unit was not properly installed and water was leaking onto the insulation. I was severely sick with bloody noses, bronchitis, allergies. It wasn't until I visualized the black spores on the air ducts that I got out an exacto knife and cut off the air vents that were plastered on with ten layers of paint. I was shocked on what I saw. I used my camera to take so many pictures inside - the ducts were moldy, the inside was completely black for as far as the camera could take pictures. There were massive spores that showed up in the pictures, and there was so much water and moisture that the entire lining was wet and mushy, moldy, musty. You wouldn't believe what these pictures looked like - it was terrible. The management was not happy that I had hard evidence.

Westdale moved me out of my apartment for a month while they 'fixed' the problem. All of my belongings were covered in plastic and I was told not to return because there were workers and it would be a safety hazard. I actually took samples of the mold and sent it to a lab to find there were 3 kinds of hazardous mold growing there - one a carcinogen. The first person to come to my apartment after I told them of the problem was a contractor, who cut and dry said that the ducts had to be cut out of the ceiling and replaced - you can't destroy the mold and the only option was to do a full replacement. After reviewing this with the manager, I suppose she thought it was too expensive - she had her 'maintenance' crew work on it instead.

Of course, I came into my apartment any time I could to see what they were doing, progress, etc. I was promised that the ducts would be cleaned by a professional company with the highest technology for removal, filtration, etc. Instead, I documented photos of a Webber duster and a wet/dry Vac that the maintainence crew was using to scrape the ducts with. I was so furious about the situation, but I thought maybe I would come back the next day and see something more progressive.

I then returned to find bottles of Killz all over the place and white primer. They had spray painted over the mold, replaced the vents and called it a 'done deal'. EPA has very strict standards for the removal of black mold, and spray painting over it to make it look like it's gone is definitely not in regulations. I was fed up, afraid for my health and fortunately was able to seek legal services. As soon as Karen found out about this, she was quick to be a pleaser. She's the most unprofessional manager i've ever met- Worst customer service i've ever experienced. Self-centered and doesn't care about anyone. She would literally yell at me until we came to a resolution of breaching my lease without penalty.

The best part is - During this month I was uprooted, plastic covered and having strangers in and out of my home - I came to find my apt. door unlocked with all of my belongings in it. The windows were open, and once the stove was left on high heat in my kitchen overnight-fire hazard. I don't even know why this was.

I never got an apology - Not even once! Never a sorry for the inconvenience. I understand ---- happens, but at least own up to your mistakes. She literally said 'well, at least you got a steal on this apartment, look on the bright side - These upgraded ones are much more expensive now". What'!

I never even mentioned that I pre-signed a lease SIX months before my move in date and my apartment wasn't ready for move in on my move in date - I had nowhere to live for three days then, too because my old lease was terminated. They do NOT allow you to see your unit before move-in, either - so dont expect it. They tell you to arrive with your belongings at 5PM or later to move in. So we did - we had our Uhaul all packed and ready to go! They did not tell me that the apartment wasn't ready with a phone call - it wasn't til I got there that they said anything. They put your move-in time so late because their office closes at 6. So good luck talking about the apartment condition on the same day. It's crooked.

For all of you considering this complex - it honestly is ill-managed. It is the equivalent of two complexes worth of apts with one set of management and maintenance. They simply can't keep up with everything and are terrible with customer-service. I know some of you are questioning the truth behind these stories - but if you need pictures for me to prove this terrible mold problem, i have PLENTY!

I would reccommend if you have a detrimental repair such as what happened to me, to make sure you send a certified letter with documentation from the Post Office to cover yourself - it is difficult when you start to get into he said/she said things with no proof. Austin Tenant's Council and the EPA are good resources for people struggling. Talk about exhaustion.

I loved to be able to walk to the UT shuttle, but I finally decided to move a little more North and get a better quality apartment with good service. I still take the shuttle, but I drive into Far West. Best of luck - I hope you never have to deal personally with Karen and if you think your apartment is the one that I used to live in - LET ME KNOW!!! YOu deserve to breathe clean air.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 12/03/2007
which apartment were you in?
From: Anonymous	Date: 06/03/2008
I think all the apartments should be looked at for mold here. Did you have to pay and hire your own mold team to come look at it?
From: Anonymous	Date: 12/09/2008
Hey you guys - I lived in 1.2098 (phase 1).... if you know ANYONE that's living there, you need to warn them. They spray painted over the mold, so I'm certain it's still there. I bought my own mold testing kit that I sent out to a company - management DID bring in a contractor then refused him service because of the price. He told me to my face that he would need to remove all duct work and replace it - there is no 'cleaning'. Instead, maintenance came and spray painted over it. haha cheapos! I would recommend paying twenty bucks and just getting your own kit and sending it in to get a vague idea of what kinds of mold you may have and if they're hazardous. I was able to physically see the black mold growing on my ducts (you can smell it, too) Mold is a huge issue and the tenant's council and lawyers are hesitant to help you because there are no firmly set laws and regulations against mold. If you think you have mold - definitely take action! It was literally making me ill. I hope this helps! I am so happy that I moved - now I have a wonderful apt that I've been in over 2 year and am happy and healthy MOLD free!
From: eudaemonia	Date: 10/12/2009
what apt. complex are you living in? would like a mold free apt.

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