42%
overall rating:
Parking:
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Things to consider
From: -Anonymous-Date posted: 6/22/2009
Years at this apartment: 2006-01-01 - 2009-01-01
4 responses
The Tallows isn't the ghetto but it isn't the ritz either.
Like many complexes it does get noisy on the weekends but typically stays pretty quiet during the week.
However, there are a few things you should know before you sign that ever so shifty leasing contract.
*The average electric bill at this complex for a one bedroom is about $200 during the summer (more if you like it frosty in your apartment) and a whopping $500 average during the winter months.
I can only theorize as to why it is so high but it may be due to an underpowered/inefficient AC.
Please don't take my word for it you can actually call the power companies and ask them for the kilowatt hour history of any unit.
I would say just check July and December and you will get a good picture of the cost.
*The management can take your pets.
I know it sounds odd but there is an addendum in the lease that allows them to take your pets for a variety of reasons.
Typically if you try and dodge paying a pet deposit then the pet is theirs to do with as they wish.
It is in the lease under "Pets".
* Rent due dates can be changed at any time.
The rent at one time was due on the third of the month but the management has changed the due date to the 2nd with little notice about six months ago, even though the sign on the drop box states the 3rd.
Be careful as they will charge you a late fee and have been quite profitable in doing so since they implemented this.
Late fees are $50.00 for the first day for now but management has the right to change this as well without notice per the leasing contract.
*60 day notice is needed for move-out instead of 30.
This is a little dirty trick within the latter pages of the contract.
The tallows will not inform you of this directly unless you declare that you are leaving in writing.
If you don't declare within 60 days of the lease end date they charge you an extra month of rent plus $200 as a "Prime Market Rent" fee.
Fortunately, there is no stipulation in the contract for declaring early so if you have six months to go and you know you are moving, go ahead and declare now.
They legally cannot retaliate for this and you will have grounds to leave without punishment if they do.
*Apartment security.
The Tallows does meet the minimum Texas standard of supplying a dead bolt on the front door in addition to your normal lock.
Do not rely on the supplied Tallows lock as its core is made of plastic, not metal.
It will not withstand any form of punishment to force it.
I would suggest getting a bar kit from Home Depot to secure the door for the later hours.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a sliding glass door in the back of your unit, go out and buy a 2x4 to lie in its tracks when not in use as the locking mechanisms for this are also sub-standard.
Fortunately, the layout of the buildings is great for crime prevention.
All access points to most of the building are in street view and a would be thief would easily be seen.
They do have a security person there 24 hours a day and the Carrollton Police are quick to respond and are often on the property.
The leasing contract does not prohibit security systems as well so it's likely you can get one without any problems from management.
Be sure to do the math before you sign.
Don't forget you will be spending an extra $1350 a year due to the electric bill alone by living at The Tallows.
That is an extra $112.00 on average you could be using for rent per month.
For an extra $112.00 a month you could easily afford a luxury apartment in the Carrollton, Plano, or even Colony area.
Getting into The Tallows will cost you as much for application as a luxury complex plus the credit/criminal record requirements are basically the same.
It isn't a bad place to live if you're careful and want to save up some money for a house.
If you do move in and find you have any issues, don't bother with the management at the office if you find them ineffective, call their parent company directly instead.
The Tipton Group is based in Houston,TX and their Phone # is (713) 895-8380
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User Responses |
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| From: Anonymous | Date: 06/22/2009 |
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My opinion is not to sway anyone from The Tallows. I am simply informing the general public as to their practices and what should be expected. I would ask anyone reading this review to not take my word for it but do your own research. It is quite possible that there are apartments that are more energy efficient than what I have posted. However, research them first or you might find yourself in a rough financial situation. I never said anything is wrong with the grounds or the office staff. Although, I find it odd that there is a post just like yours shortly after anything that can be perceived as negative. Office staff perhaps?
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| From: Anonymous | Date: 06/22/2009 |
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I have lived at The Tallows for over 3 years and honestly, my electric bill has never been so low! The building was constructed so efficiently. I absolutely love the new office and maintenace staff. They respond within 24 hours and are always so courteous. I have been a renter for the last 15 years and have known it to be "standard" practice for residents to give a "60" day notice to vacate. I understand this is a business and it allows their apartment to be pre-leased for another renter so they can keep the apartments full. That's just good smart business practice. I have referred quite a few of my coleagues here and will continue to do so. Shop around and you will see what I mean. You won't find a more professional and customer service oriented management. Oh yes, they also have the prettiest and cleanliest grounds in the area! I love it here!
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| From: Anonymous | Date: 06/30/2009 |
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Beware of the Tallows..........kids run amuck, trash bins are filthy and overflowing, this is a little piece of the ghetto right in the middle of north Carrollton. Management wants all the apartments full and will rent to anyone...more interested in pleasing the drunks at the pool parties with an outdoor grill vs good residents who take pride in their homes. Don't do it....from someone who was suckered in....and the maintenance staff..........good luck with any with anything you get out of them.
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| From: Anonymous | Date: 09/29/2009 |
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All of the "shifty" items listed above are part of the standard TAA lease contract. You will sign this SAME contract at 90% of the apartment communities in the state. Also 60 notice to vacate is listed on the very 1st page of the lease.
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